Abstract

ROQUE, Vanessa; MONTEIRO, João; PEREIRA, Fernando  and  RAMOS, Pedro. Reabilitação das artroplastias totais do punho. Rev. Port. Ortop. Traum. [online]. 2012, vol.20, n.3, pp.303-310. ISSN 1646-2122.

Total wrist arthroplasty cannot duplicate the complex mechanics of the normal wrist which involves multiple articulations among the radius, ulna, and carpal bones. However, newer implant designs attempt to simplify this intricate system while producing a stable, pain-free joint with a functional range of motion. A motion-preserving alternative to wrist arthrodesis is of particular importance when treating patients who are debilitated namely by arthritis affl icting multiple joints. Improvements in implant design and surgical technique have resulted in recent successes and evidence that total wrist arthroplasty may be an appropriate choice to improve function in selected patients. Rehabilitation programs after wrist arthroplasty surgery play a central role in the final functional outcome of patients. An appropriately customized rehabilitation program can contribute to achieving pain-free stable wrist movement that allows patients to perform their desired functional activities. This article briefly discusses the history of wrist prostheses, the indications and outcomes of total wrist arthroplasty with emphases on the post-surgical rehabilitation approach designed by the authors.

Keywords : Arthroplasty; wrist; rehabiliation; prothesis.

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