Assessment of Wrist Function After Simulated Total Wrist Arthrodesis: A Comparison of 6 Wrist Positions.

There is poor consensus in the literature regarding associated functional limitation and the preferred wrist position for total wrist arthrodesis. The purpose of the current investigation was twofold: (1) to assess the functional limitations of wrist arthrodesis and (2) to determine the optimal position for wrist arthrodesis using a simulated wrist fusion model. Twenty healthy volunteers underwent simulated wrist arthrodesis in 6 different positions using custom-molded wrist splints: 15° extension with 0° radio-ulnar deviation, 15° extension with 10° ulnar deviation, 15° extension with 10° radial deviation, 0° extension with 0° radio-ulnar deviation, 0° extension with 10° ulnar deviation, and 0° extension with 10° radial deviation.