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Trial Pinning Prior to Wrist Arthrodesis in Children

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

Correspondence: Dr Charles A. Goldfarb, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1 Barnes Hospital Plaza, 11300 West Pavilion, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel.: +314 747 4753; fax: +314 747 2599. E-mail: goldfarbc{at}msnotes.wustl.edu

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of trial wrist pinning as an assessment tool prior to wrist arthrodesis in the paediatric patient. Ten paediatric patients who were unable to decide if a wrist arthrodesis would be beneficial to them underwent a trial wrist pinning (using temporary K-wires) in neutral posture for an average of 28 days. The etiology of wrist pathology varied. The utility of the trial pining in decision-making was assessed through chart review and telephone conversation.

All patients felt the trial pinning facilitated their decision. Two of the 10 patients declined wrist arthrodesis secondary to difficulty with daily activities. Eight patients who underwent wrist arthrodesis were satisfied with wrist position and function. Temporary wrist pinning is an effective informational tool for patients, families and physicians, allowing a true assessment of wrist function prior to definitive wrist arthrodesis.

Key Words: cerebral palsy • pinning • arthrogryposis • wrist fusion • paediatric

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 30, No. 1, 56-59 (2005)
DOI: 10.1016/J.JHSB.2004.09.019


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