Seven wrist arthroplasties with Swanson's flexible hinge implant were done in five patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We followed them up postoperatively for an average of 6.3 years (range, 3-10 years).
AT first postoperative year, pain was significantly decreased, range of motion and grip strength were incresed, and stability was acquired. But at long-term follow-up, 7 implant fractures were found, severe pain appeared in 4 wrists, and 6 wrists were unstable. Pain and instability showed tendency to increse after implant fracture. We thought that the cause of implant fractute is stress at implant caused by excessive wrist motion.
