Follow-up Results of Lauenstein's Operation with Synovectomy of the Rheumatoid Wrist

Abstract

Ten wrists in seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis received Lauenstein's operation, and follow-up examinations were made. Their ages ranged from 36 years to 62 years with the average of 47. Most of the patients were in the late stage; three joints were in stage II, 4 in stage III, and 3 in stage IV.
Postoperative results were satisfactory without recurrence of pain or synovitis, tendon rupture or ulnar drift. Bony ankylosis was noted in two cases.