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Viêm xương khớp cổ tay

Wrist osteoarthritis — understanding symptoms, non-surgical options, and when wrist replacement might be considered.

Updated Aug 2026
Một minh họa vẽ tay của một người không có khuôn mặt, cổ tay cứng và đau đớn, đang cố gắng mở nắp lọ.
Viêm xương khớp cổ tay, với sự mất đi các khoảng khớp bình thường. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Trang này được dịch bằng máy và chưa được bác sĩ kiểm tra. Bản tiếng Anh là bản chính thức.

Những gì bạn đang cảm thấy

Bạn có thể cảm thấy một cơn đau âm ỉ, sâu ở cổ tay. Điều này thường do viêm xương khớp do hao mòn, trong đó sụn đệm giữa các xương của bạn đã bị phá hủy. Cơn đau thường nằm ngay ở trung tâm cổ tay hoặc ở phía bên ngón cái. Cơn đau có xu hướng bùng phát khi bạn sử dụng tay cho các nhiệm vụ hàng ngày.

Các cử động đơn giản có thể trở nên khó khăn. Bạn có thể gặp khó khăn khi nắm chặt đồ vật hoặc xoay núm cửa. Với với ra sau lưng để cài áo ngực có thể cảm thấy cứng và đau. Việc nhét áo vào quần có thể yêu cầu bạn di chuyển toàn bộ cánh tay thay vì chỉ cổ tay. Nâng các vật nhẹ, như ấm nước hoặc túi đồ tạp hóa, có thể gây ra sự khó chịu nhói lên.

Cơn đau thường trở nên tồi tệ hơn sau khi vận động. Bạn có thể nhận thấy nó đập mạnh hơn vào buổi tối sau một ngày dài sử dụng tay. Một số người thấy rằng đặt cổ tay lên gối giúp làm dịu cơn đau. Tuy nhiên, cứng khớp cũng là một phần lớn của trải nghiệm này. Cổ tay của bạn có thể cảm thấy đặc biệt căng và khó di chuyển khi bạn vừa thức dậy vào buổi sáng. Cứng khớp buổi sáng này thường nới lỏng một chút khi bạn bắt đầu vận động, nhưng nó có thể quay trở lại nếu bạn nghỉ ngơi quá lâu.

Ngủ có thể là một thách thức vì cơn đau này. Nhiều bệnh nhân thấy rằng họ không thể nằm nghiêng mà không gây áp lực lên cổ tay bị ảnh hưởng. Bạn có thể trở mình, cố gắng tìm một tư thế không làm trầm trọng thêm khớp. Việc thiếu ngủ nghỉ ngơi này có thể khiến bạn cảm thấy mệt mỏi và bực bội trong ngày.

Cảm giác xay xát hoặc nghe thấy tiếng lách cách khi bạn di chuyển cổ tay là điều phổ biến. Đây là do xương cọ xát vào xương nơi lớp sụn bảo vệ đã biến mất. Mặc dù điều này có thể gây lo lắng, nhưng đây là một dấu hiệu điển hình của viêm xương khớp tiến triển. Hiểu rõ các triệu chứng này giúp chúng tôi lập kế hoạch chăm sóc cho bạn. Chúng tôi muốn đảm bảo bạn cảm thấy được lắng nghe và hỗ trợ khi chúng tôi thảo luận về hướng đi tốt nhất cho tình trạng cụ thể của bạn.

Những gì thực sự đang xảy ra

Cổ tay của bạn được cấu tạo từ tám xương nhỏ xếp sát nhau. Trong bệnh viêm xương khớp, lớp sụn trơn láng bao phủ các xương này bị mòn đi. Hãy tưởng tượng sụn giống như một bộ giảm xóc hoặc một miếng đệm. Khi không còn sụn, các xương sẽ cọ xát vào nhau. Điều này gây ra đau đớn, cứng khớp và sưng nề.

Viêm xương khớp do hao mòn thường bắt đầu ở những vị trí cụ thể. Nó có thể bắt đầu tại nơi xương cẳng tay gặp cổ tay, hoặc giữa các xương cổ tay nhỏ với nhau. Khi bề mặt khớp bị suy thoái, cổ tay của bạn mất đi khả năng trượt tự nhiên. Bạn có thể cảm thấy tiếng lạo xạo hoặc bị kẹt khi cử động. Các thao tác đơn giản như xoay núm cửa trở nên khó khăn.

Bác sĩ phẫu thuật giải thích rằng tổn thương này làm thay đổi cách cổ tay của bạn cử động. Ví dụ, một kỹ thuật gọi là cố định khớp bốn xương (four-corner arthrodesis) làm thay đổi vị trí của một số xương. Sự thay đổi này có thể gây thêm áp lực lên các khớp còn lại. Theo thời gian, áp lực bổ sung này có thể dẫn đến tình trạng hao mòn thêm ở những khu vực đó.

Chúng tôi biết rằng không có ca phẫu thuật nào có thể khôi phục cổ tay của bạn về trạng thái ban đầu hoàn hảo. Mọi lựa chọn đều có những sự đánh đổi. Các thủ thuật hợp nhất (fusion) hạn chế cử động để giảm đau. Thay khớp nhằm duy trì khả năng vận động nhưng đi kèm với nguy cơ cao hơn. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ thảo luận về phương án nào phù hợp với nhu cầu hàng ngày và mức độ hoạt động của bạn.

Mục tiêu là chấm dứt cơn đau và mang lại cho bạn một cổ tay ổn định. Bạn có thể mất đi một số phạm vi cử động, nhưng bạn sẽ có được độ tin cậy. Nhiều bệnh nhân nhận thấy rằng sự đánh đổi này là đáng giá để giảm đau. Chúng tôi tập trung vào việc giúp bạn trở lại cuộc sống hàng ngày với ít khó chịu hơn.

Những gì chúng tôi có thể làm về vấn đề này

Tiến sĩ Kieran Hirpara, một bác sĩ phẫu thuật chi trên tại Bệnh viện Tư nhân Mater Rockhampton, tiếp cận vấn đề này trong phòng khám của chúng tôi bằng cách tập trung vào nhu cầu cụ thể của bạn. Bệnh nhân đến phòng khám của chúng tôi thông qua giới thiệu của bác sĩ đa khoa hoặc chuyên viên vật lý trị liệu. Đánh giá tại phòng khám (lịch sử bệnh, khám lâm sàng và chẩn đoán hình ảnh khi cần thiết) giúp xác định chẩn đoán. Đối với các vấn đề thoái hóa hoặc mãn tính, chúng tôi thường thử điều trị không phẫu thuật — thay đổi hoạt động, vật lý trị liệu hoặc trị liệu tay, nẹp cố định và tiêm thuốc — và xem xét phẫu thuật khi những biện pháp này không mang lại cải thiện đủ mức. Đối với các vấn đề cấu trúc hoặc cấp tính, phẫu thuật có thể được khuyến nghị ngay lập tức, mà không cần thử nghiệm điều trị không phẫu thuật trước đó.

Bạn có thể bắt đầu bằng cách thay đổi cách sử dụng bàn tay của mình. Chúng tôi khuyên bạn tránh nâng vật nặng hoặc cầm nắm lặp đi lặp lại gây đau. Chuyên viên vật lý trị liệu có thể dạy bạn các bài tập để giữ cho cổ tay linh hoạt và tăng cường các cơ xung quanh. Nẹp cố định có thể hỗ trợ khớp trong các hoạt động hàng ngày. Chúng tôi thường khuyến nghị nên áp dụng phương pháp này trong vài tuần để thấy hiệu quả. Nếu cơn đau vẫn tiếp diễn, chúng tôi có thể đề xuất dùng thuốc. Các loại thuốc giảm đau hoặc kháng viêm không kê đơn có thể giúp kiểm soát sự khó chịu. Trong một số trường hợp, chúng tôi cung cấp tiêm vào khớp. Tiêm cortisone giúp giảm sưng và đau trong một khoảng thời gian hạn chế. Tiêm axit hyaluronic hoặc PRP nhằm mục đích đệm cho khớp, mặc dù hiệu quả có thể khác nhau. Những phương pháp điều trị này không làm đảo ngược bệnh viêm xương khớp nhưng có thể cải thiện sự thoải mái và chức năng của bạn.

Phẫu thuật được xem xét khi điều trị bảo tồn không mang lại cải thiện đủ mức. Mục tiêu là giảm đau và khôi phục sự ổn định. Các lựa chọn bao gồm hợp nhất (fusion), nối các xương lại với nhau để ngăn chặn cử động gây đau, hoặc thay thế (replacement), thay thế các bề mặt bị hỏng bằng các bề mặt nhân tạo. Chúng tôi chọn lựa chọn tốt nhất dựa trên khớp cụ thể liên quan, nhu cầu của bạn và nguy cơ biến chứng. Trong hầu hết các trường hợp, không có một lựa chọn ưu tiên duy nhất cho viêm xương khớp cổ tay. Chúng tôi thảo luận các lựa chọn này với bạn để đạt được quyết định chung.

Những điều cần biết

Cổ tay của bạn có thể sẽ cảm thấy cứng và đau trong nhiều tuần hoặc nhiều tháng sau khi điều trị. Giảm đau là mục tiêu phổ biến nhất, và hầu hết mọi người nhận thấy các triệu chứng của họ cải thiện đáng kể với việc chăm sóc thích hợp. Nếu không được điều trị, viêm xương khớp do hao mòn thường sẽ tiếp tục tồn tại hoặc chậm dần tiến triển theo thời gian. Các triệu chứng của bạn có thể xuất hiện rồi biến mất, nhưng tổn thương khớp cơ bản có xu hướng tiến triển.

Nếu bạn chọn phẫu thuật dính khớp cổ tay, bạn có thể mong đợi sự giảm đau đáng tin cậy. Thủ thuật này là lựa chọn cứu cánh phổ biến nhất cho viêm xương khớp nặng. Nó ổn định khớp và giảm thiểu tình trạng tàn tật. Tuy nhiên, nó hạn chế chuyển động của cổ tay bạn theo mọi hướng. Bạn sẽ không lấy lại hoàn toàn chức năng bình thường của cổ tay. Lực nắm tay của bạn thường sẽ cải thiện, nhưng phạm vi chuyển động sẽ bị giảm.

Nếu bạn chọn thay khớp, mục tiêu là đạt được phạm vi chuyển động lớn hơn. Lựa chọn này mang lại nguy cơ biến chứng cao hơn so với dính khớp. Bạn có thể đối mặt với các vấn đề như nới lỏng hoặc nhu cầu phẫu thuật thêm. Nếu việc thay khớp thất bại, việc chuyển đổi sang dính khớp là một phương án dự phòng an toàn và hiệu quả. Phẫu thuật cứu cánh này cải thiện chức năng một cách đáng tin cậy và cung cấp giảm đau đáng kể. Ngược lại, nếu dính khớp thất bại, việc chuyển đổi sang thay khớp hiện đại cũng khả thi.

Quá trình hồi phục bao gồm một giai đoạn hạn chế hoạt động. Bắt đầu vận động nhẹ nhàng sớm giúp bạn lấy lại chuyển động chức năng nhanh hơn. Bạn sẽ cần ít lần thăm khám trị liệu hơn nếu bắt đầu sớm. Hầu hết mọi người trở lại các công việc hàng ngày với mức độ đau giảm, nhưng vẫn còn một số hạn chế. Khoảng 20% bệnh nhân vẫn không hài lòng với kết quả điều trị, trong khi 86% quay trở lại làm việc toàn thời gian. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ giúp bạn cân nhắc sự đánh đổi giữa chuyển động và sự ổn định. Quyết định phụ thuộc vào mức độ hoạt động của bạn và sự sẵn sàng chấp nhận các nguy cơ phẫu thuật sửa đổi tiềm ẩn.

Khi nào cần gặp bác sĩ

Hãy gặp bác sĩ đa khoa nếu bạn bị đau cổ tay dai dẳng không cải thiện khi nghỉ ngơi. Hãy yêu cầu đánh giá bởi bác sĩ chuyên khoa nếu bạn nhận thấy yếu cơ, mất ổn định, hoặc cảm giác kẹt cứng hoặc sập khớp. Những triệu chứng này có thể ảnh hưởng đến giấc ngủ hoặc công việc của bạn. Hãy tìm kiếm sự trợ giúp nếu tình trạng của bạn xấu đi đột ngột. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ đánh giá xem bạn có bị viêm xương khớp do hao mòn hay không. Họ sẽ thảo luận xem phẫu thuật hợp nhất cổ tay hay thay thế khớp có phù hợp với bạn hay không. Hãy lưu ý rằng cả hai lựa chọn đều tiềm ẩn rủi ro. Hợp nhất cổ tay mang lại giảm đau đáng tin cậy nhưng hạn chế vận động. Thay thế khớp bảo tồn khả năng vận động nhưng có tỷ lệ biến chứng cao hơn. Bác sĩ phẫu thuật của bạn sẽ hướng dẫn bạn qua những lựa chọn này dựa trên nhu cầu cụ thể của bạn.


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Osteoarthritis of the hand and wrist requires an individualized approach to treatment strategies based on site-specific diagnoses and varying disease manifestations [1].
  • While functional improvement was observed for arthroplasty patients, robust long-term follow-up data on wrist arthroplasty are not yet available [3].
  • Total wrist arthroplasty using the semiconstrained arthroplasty system achieves favorable clinical outcomes with no serious complications requiring revision for 10 years after surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [9].
  • While outcomes are generally favorable for therapeutic surgeries like arthrodesis and arthroplasty, further study is required to determine the best indications for ulnar head arthroplasty [36].
  • Arthroplasty should be used as an alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of posttraumatic wrist arthritis, given the proper patient selection and indications [19].
  • Minimal arthroplasty may provide a temporary solution for active patients with symptomatic early wrist arthritis who are not candidates for salvage wrist surgery [26].
  • The technique of closing wedge radial osteotomy could prove a reliable first line treatment for patients with debilitating wrist osteoarthritis confined to scaphoid/scapholunate articulation with radius as it preserves the ligamentous insertions and the bone stock [4].
  • Distal scaphoid excision should be preferred to improve functional results while decreasing scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and radiocarpal nonunion rates in radioscapholunate fusion for radiocarpal osteoarthritis [17].
  • The authors prefer proximal row carpectomy for SLAC wrists with preserved capitate head cartilage due to socio-economic benefits, lower complication rates, and procedural ease [46].
  • Wrist denervation was a viable salvage option for patients with symptomatic SLAC wrist osteoarthritis to preserve motion, decrease pain, and increase function with a low absolute failure rate at mid- to long-term follow-up [12].
  • Removal of the trapezium as treatment for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term [5].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

  • Type I and III wrists in early rheumatoid arthritis exhibit radiographic progression and ultimately undergo deformation [8].
  • Combining traditional qualitative evaluation and quantitative measurements may improve the classification of wrist osteoarthritis [11].
  • The Watson and Ballet classification of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) wrist osteoarthritis is widely accepted, simple, and a well-recognized guide to treatment despite significant limitations [20].
  • Radiographic classification of SLAC wrist has moderate reliability and reproducibility [27].
  • Classification of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist has limited reliability [27].
  • Staging systems for SNAC wrist lack agreement [28].
  • SNAC wrists differ from SLAC wrists in exhibiting a decreased sagittal lunotriquetral angle, indicating a distinct pathomechanism of carpal instability [34].
  • In the early stages of hand osteoarthritis, there is a functional deficit associated with reduced muscle activity of the wrist muscles during manual activities [40].

Classification

  • Advanced osteoarthritis of the midcarpal joint without radiocarpal involvement may be more common than previously thought [7].
  • Isolated osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint is the most prevalent pattern of wrist osteoarthritis [7].
  • Reviewing multiview radiographs more commonly yielded Vender stage 3 osteoarthritis classification for SNAC wrist [30].
  • The Simmen classification of wrist destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is useful in early disease in about 50% of cases [44].
  • The Simmen classification provides reasonably reliable identification of wrists at significant risk of becoming severely unstable, though the false-negative rate is substantial [44].

Clinical Presentation

  • Hand manifestations of osteoarthritis can be debilitating, with initial treatment being medical and many patients doing well with splinting and hand therapy [2].
  • Subtle differences in history, examination, laboratory values, and imaging, rather than one pathognomonic finding, can improve the diagnostic acumen and expedite appropriate treatment options for monoarticular arthritis of the hand and wrist [6].
  • The occurrence of osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and distal radioulnar joints is affected by the presence of osteoarthritis of the adjacent joint [16].
  • Patients with wrist arthritis who undergo surgery face higher risks of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and subsequent carpal tunnel release (CTR) than those managed conservatively [13].

Investigations

  • Initial treatment for hand manifestations of osteoarthritis is medical, with many patients doing well with splinting and hand therapy [2].
  • Subtle differences in history, examination, laboratory values, and imaging can improve diagnostic acumen and expedite appropriate treatment options for monoarticular arthritis of the hand and wrist [6].
  • Type I and III wrists had radiographic progression and ultimately underwent deformation [8].
  • The occurrence of osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and distal radioulnar joints was affected by the presence of osteoarthritis of the adjacent joint [16].
  • Reviewing multiview radiographs more commonly yielded Vender stage 3 osteoarthritis classification for SNAC wrist arthritis [30].
  • With CT as the reference method, MRI showed moderate sensitivity and good specificity and accuracy for detection of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis and healthy wrist bones [49].
  • Radiography showed very low sensitivity for detection of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis and healthy wrist bones [49].
  • Subjective radiographic grading of the radioscaphoid joint was unable to detect mild arthritis but was able to distinguish between mild and moderate/severe arthritis [50].
  • Bone density was greater at the capitolunate joint, the radial styloid, and the radiolunate joint in SNAC wrists compared to controls [52].
  • Computed tomography is more sensitive than conventional radiography for detecting bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis [53].

Treatment

Non-Operative Management

  • Neuromuscular exercise therapy and range-of-motion training show no clinically meaningful differences in the treatment of wrist osteoarthritis at 6 and 12 months [39].

Surgical Management: General Principles

  • Surgical intervention markedly improves hand and wrist function for many rheumatoid patients [29].
  • Preservation of movement is beneficial to function, and a preferable compromise may be selective excision and partial fusion of the wrist using knowledge of the aetiology and pattern of degenerative change [25].
  • Arthroplasty should be used as an alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of posttraumatic wrist arthritis, given proper patient selection and indications [19].

Surgical Management: Arthrodesis and Fusion

  • Patients tolerate the restrictions caused by a stiff wrist provided it is painless [21].
  • Four-corner fusion and scaphoid excision using headless compression screws for SLAC and SNAC wrist deformities result in most patients being pleased postoperatively, with improvement in wrist pain being the most common finding [10].
  • Radioscapholunate fusion for radiocarpal osteoarthritis benefits from distal scaphoid excision to improve functional results while decreasing scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and radiocarpal nonunion rates [17].
  • Closing wedge radial osteotomy is a reliable first-line treatment for patients with debilitating wrist osteoarthritis confined to the scaphoid/scapholunate articulation with the radius, as it preserves ligamentous insertions and bone stock [4].

Surgical Management: Arthroplasty

  • Newer fourth-generation wrist implants appear to be performing better than earlier designs [18].
  • Minimal wrist arthroplasty may provide a temporary solution for active patients with symptomatic early wrist arthritis who are not candidates for salvage wrist surgery [26].

Surgical Management: Salvage and Other Procedures

  • Wrist denervation is a viable salvage option for patients with symptomatic SLAC wrist osteoarthritis to preserve motion, decrease pain, and increase function with a low absolute failure rate at mid- to long-term follow-up [12].
  • Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist can provide pain relief and functional improvement with control of synovitis in 75% of rheumatoid wrists that have not responded to medication [51].

Complications

  • Robust long-term follow-up data on wrist arthroplasty are not yet available [3].
  • Total wrist arthroplasty using the semiconstrained arthroplasty system achieves favorable clinical outcomes with no serious complications requiring revision for 10 years after surgery [9].
  • Most patients were pleased postoperatively following four-corner fusion and scaphoid excision, with improvement in wrist pain being the most common finding [10].
  • There is an approximate 10% risk of secondary wrist arthrodesis in patients with persistent or progressive ulnar wrist pain following partial wrist denervation [14].
  • Functional results of four-corner fusion for SLAC and SNAC wrist were good at long-term follow-up despite radiographic changes in the radiolunate joint in 73% of patients [15].
  • Elbow, wrist, and hand surgery provided long-lasting benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients [23].
  • The overall survival probability of partial wrist denervation in painful wrist osteoarthritis is above 50% at 5 years [24].
  • Delayed-onset ulnar neuropathy at the wrist can occur 12 to 30 years after conservatively treated distal radius fractures with malunion and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis [31].

Recovery

  • Partial wrist denervation in inflammatory arthritis carries an approximate 10% risk of secondary wrist arthrodesis in patients with persistent or progressive ulnar wrist pain [14].
  • Functional results of 4-corner fusion for SLAC and SNAC wrist are good at long-term follow-up despite radiographic changes in the radiolunate joint in 73% of patients [15].
  • Elbow, wrist, and hand surgery provided long-lasting benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients according to patient-reported outcome assessments [23].
  • Partial wrist denervation in painful wrist osteoarthritis has an overall survival probability above 50% at 5 years [24].
  • Delayed-onset ulnar neuropathy at the wrist can occur 12 to 30 years after conservatively treated distal radius fractures with malunion and distal radioulnar joint arthritis [31].

Key Evidence

  • [L5] Osteoarthritis of the hand and wrist requires an individualized approach to treatment strategies based on site-specific diagnoses and varying disease manifestations. [1] (10.1016/j.jht.2022.01.001)
  • [L5] The hand manifestations of osteoarthritis can be debilitating, with initial treatment being medical and many patients doing well with splinting and hand therapy. [2] (10.1016/j.hcl.2010.09.003)
  • [L2] While functional improvement was observed for arthroplasty patients, robust long-term follow-up data on wrist arthroplasty are not yet available. [3] (10.1177/1753193420953683)
  • [L4] The technique could prove a reliable first line treatment for patients with debilitating wrist osteoarthritis confined to scaphoid/scapholunate articulation with radius as it preserves the ligamentous insertions and the bone stock. [4] (10.1016/j.jisako.2025.100448)
  • [L3] Removal of the trapezium as treatment for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term. [5] (10.1186/s13018-021-02856-x)
  • [L5] Subtle differences in history, examination, laboratory values, and imaging, rather than one pathognomonic finding, can improve the diagnostic acumen and expedite appropriate treatment options for monoarticular arthritis of the hand and wrist. [6] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.04.010)
  • [L4] Advanced osteoarthritis of the midcarpal joint without radiocarpal involvement may be more common than previously thought, with isolated osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal joint being the most prevalent pattern. [7] (10.1177/17531934241275450)
  • [L2] Type I and III wrists had radiographic progression and ultimately underwent deformation. [8] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.016)
  • [L4] Total wrist arthroplasty using the semiconstrained arthroplasty system achieves favorable clinical outcomes with no serious complications requiring revision for 10 years after surgery. [9] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.002)
  • [L4] Most patients were pleased postoperatively, with improvement in wrist pain being the most common finding. [10] (10.1097/bth.0b013e3181f60fec)
  • [L4] Combining traditional qualitative evaluation and quantitative measurements may improve the classification of wrist osteoarthritis. [11] (10.1177/1753193416669261)
  • [L4] This method of wrist denervation was a viable salvage option for patients with symptomatic SLAC wrist osteoarthritis to preserve motion, decrease pain, and increase function with a low absolute failure rate at mid- to long-term follow-up. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.023)
  • [L2] Patients with wrist arthritis who undergo surgery face higher risks of CTS and subsequent CTR than those managed conservatively. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.01.013)
  • [L4] Our findings suggest an approximate 10% risk of secondary wrist arthrodesis in patients with persistent or progressive ulnar wrist pain. [14] (10.1007/s10067-019-04645-8)
  • [L4] Functional results were good at long-term follow-up despite radiographic changes in the radiolunate joint in 73% of patients. [15] (10.1177/1558944716681949)
  • [L4] The occurrence of osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and distal radioulnar joints was affected by the presence of osteoarthritis of the adjacent joint. [16] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.05.009)
  • [L4] Distal scaphoid excision should be preferred to improve functional results while decreasing scaphotrapeziotrapezoidal osteoarthritis and radiocarpal nonunion rates. [17] (10.1055/s-0039-1688939)
  • [L1] The newer fourth-generation wrist implants appear to be performing better than earlier designs. [18] (10.1055/s-0038-1646956)
  • [L3] Arthroplasty should be used as an alternative to arthrodesis in the treatment of posttraumatic wrist arthritis, given the proper patient selection and indications. [19] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.013)
  • [L5] Despite its significant limitations, the Watson and Ballet classification of SLAC wrist osteoarthritis is widely accepted, simple, and a well-recognized guide to treatment. [20] (10.1097/corr.0000000000000451)
  • [L4] Patients tolerate the restrictions caused by a stiff wrist provided it is painless. [21] (10.1054/jhsb.2002.0806)
  • [L4] Our original patient-reported outcome assessment tool revealed that elbow, wrist and hand surgery provided long-lasting benefits in RA patients. [23] (10.1111/1756-185x.13340)
  • [L3] The study found an overall survival probability above 50% at 5 years after partial wrist denervation in painful wrist OA. [24] (10.1177/17531934261425490)
  • [L5] Preservation of movement is beneficial to function, and a preferable compromise may be selective excision and partial fusion of the wrist using knowledge of the aetiology and pattern of degenerative change. [25] (10.1302/0301-620x.97b10.35717)
  • [L4] Minimal arthroplasty as described may provide a temporary solution for active patients with symptomatic early wrist arthritis who are not candidates for salvage wrist surgery. [26] (10.1055/s-0033-1338255)
  • [L4] Radiographic classification of SLAC wrist has moderate reliability and reproducibility, whereas classification of SNAC wrist has limited reliability. [27] (10.1177/1753193413484629)
  • [Paper] Staging systems for SNAC wrist lack agreement. [28] (10.1007/s12593-012-0062-2)
  • [L5] Surgical intervention markedly improves hand and wrist function for many rheumatoid patients. [29] (10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00102)
  • [L4] Reviewing multiview radiographs more commonly yielded Vender stage 3 osteoarthritis classification. [30] (10.1177/1558944720937359)
  • [L4] Delayed-onset ulnar neuropathy at the wrist can occur 12 to 30 years after conservatively treated distal radius fractures with malunion and DRUJ arthritis. [31] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.11.005)
  • [L4] SNAC wrists differ from SLAC wrists in exhibiting a decreased sagittal lunotriquetral angle, indicating a distinct pathomechanism of carpal instability. [34] (10.1186/s12891-025-08652-6)
  • [L5] While outcomes are generally favorable for therapeutic surgeries like arthrodesis and arthroplasty, further study is required to determine the best indications for ulnar head arthroplasty. [36] (10.1016/j.jht.2013.12.002)
  • [L1] We found no clinically meaningful differences between the neuromuscular exercise therapy program and range-of-motion training in the treatment of wrist osteoarthritis at 6 and 12 months. [39] (10.1186/s12891-025-09463-5)
  • [L3] In the early stages of HOA, there is a functional deficit associated with a reduced muscle activity of the wrist muscles during manual activities. [40] (10.1016/j.jht.2019.12.010)
  • [L3] The Simmen classification of wrist destruction in rheumatoid arthritis is useful in early disease in about 50% of cases and provides reasonably reliable identification of wrists at significant risk of becoming severely unstable, though the false-negative rate is substantial. [44] (10.1054/jhsb.1999.0196)
  • [L3] The authors prefer proximal row carpectomy for SLAC wrists with preserved capitate head cartilage due to socio-economic benefits, lower complication rates, and procedural ease. [46] (10.1177/1753193408087116)
  • [L4] With CT as the reference method, MRI showed moderate sensitivity and good specificity and accuracy for detection of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis and healthy wrist bones, while radiography showed very low sensitivity. [49] (10.1186/ar2378)
  • [L3] Subjective radiographic grading of the radioscaphoid joint was unable to detect mild arthritis but was able to distinguish between mild and moderate/severe arthritis. [50] (10.1007/s11552-013-9522-9)
  • [L4] Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist can provide pain relief and functional improvement with control of synovitis in 75% of rheumatoid wrists that have not responded to medication. [51] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.04.022)
  • [L3] Bone density was greater at the capitolunate joint, the radial styloid, and the radiolunate joint in SNAC wrists compared to controls. [52] (10.2106/jbjs.22.01350)
  • [L3] Computed tomography is more sensitive than conventional radiography for detecting bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis. [53] (10.1186/1471-2474-14-265)

References

[1] Surgical management of osteoarthritis of the hand and wrist. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2022.01.001

[2] Current Concepts in the Surgical Management of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritic Hands and Wrists. Hand Clinics. 2011. DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2010.09.003

[3] A systematic review of outcomes of wrist arthrodesis and wrist arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2020. DOI: 10.1177/1753193420953683

[4] Case Series: Closing Wedge Radial Osteotomy for Scaphoid Nonunion and Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC) Wrists. Journal of ISAKOS. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2025.100448

[5] Trapeziectomy for basal thumb osteoarthritis does not increase the risk of developing wrist osteoarthritis in the long term. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02856-x

[6] Diagnostic Considerations for Monoarticular Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.04.010

[7] Patterns of osteoarthritis of the wrist: a single-centre observational cohort study. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2025. DOI: 10.1177/17531934241275450

[8] Prediction of Wrist Prognosis in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis According to Radiographic Classification. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2009. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.016

[9] Clinical Outcomes of Total Wrist Arthroplasty in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up Study. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.002

[10] Four-Corner Fusion and Scaphoid Excision Using Headless Compression Screws for SLAC and SNAC Wrist Deformities. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. 2011. DOI: 10.1097/bth.0b013e3181f60fec

[11] Comparing radial styloid size between osteoarthritic and healthy wrists: a pathoanatomical three-dimensional study. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1753193416669261

[12] Midterm Patient-Reported Outcomes in Wrist Denervation for Post-Traumatic Arthritis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.02.023

[13] Surgical Management of Wrist Arthritis Is Linked to Increased Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Carpal Tunnel Release Risk: Rethinking Preoperative Evaluation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.01.013

[14] Patient satisfaction and outcomes of partial wrist denervation in inflammatory arthritis. Clinical Rheumatology. 2019. DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04645-8

[15] Ten-Year Minimum Follow-Up of 4-Corner Fusion for SLAC and SNAC Wrist. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716681949

[16] Prevalence and Associated Factors for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid, Radiocarpal, and Distal Radioulnar Joints in the Japanese General Elderly Population. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.05.009

[17] Radioscapholunate Fusion for Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis: Prognostic Factors of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2019. DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688939

[18] Systematic Review of Total Wrist Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis in Wrist Arthritis. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1646956

[19] Clinical Outcomes of Arthrodesis and Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Wrist Arthritis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.013

[20] Classifications in Brief: Watson and Ballet Classification of Scapholunate Advanced Collapse Wrist Arthritis. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2018. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000000451

[21] Arthrodesis of the Wrist with Bioabsorbable Fixation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery. 2002. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.2002.0806

[23] Long‐term patient reported outcomes of elbow, wrist and hand surgery for rheumatoid arthritis. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2018. DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13340

[24] Revision rate and long-term outcome after partial wrist denervation in wrist osteoarthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2026. DOI: 10.1177/17531934261425490

[25] The treatment of arthritis of the wrist. The Bone & Joint Journal. 2015. DOI: 10.1302/0301-620x.97b10.35717

[26] A Minimal Wrist Arthroplasty for Early Wrist Osteoarthritis. Journal of Wrist Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1338255

[27] Reproducibility of radiographic classification of scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) wrist. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2013. DOI: 10.1177/1753193413484629

[28] Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse Classifications: A Reliability Study. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery. 2012. DOI: 10.1007/s12593-012-0062-2

[29] Collaboration in Hand Surgery: Experiences From Silicone Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Finger Replantation and Amputation Challenges in Assessing Impairment, Satisfaction, and Effectiveness, Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial, and Surgery of the Ulnar Nerve. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2020. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-20-00102

[30] A Reliability Study of Multiplanar Radiographs for the Evaluation of SNAC Wrist Arthritis. HAND. 2020. DOI: 10.1177/1558944720937359

[31] Delayed-Onset Ulnar Neuropathy at the Wrist Associated With Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthritis After Radius Malunion: Report of Two Cases. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.11.005

[34] Computer-aided three-dimensional analysis of carpal alignment in scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse wrists: A comparative study with scapholunate advanced collapse and healthy wrists. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-08652-6

[36] Update on the surgical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist and hand. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2013.12.002

[39] Long-term effects of neuromuscular exercise therapy and the need for surgical conversion in wrist osteoarthritis: 24-month results from a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-025-09463-5

[40] Impairment of electrical activation of wrist flexor and extensor muscles during gripping and functional activities in the early stage of hand osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2019.12.010

[44] The Simmen Classification of Wrist Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1999. DOI: 10.1054/jhsb.1999.0196

[46] Proximal Row Carpectomy Versus Four-Corner Arthrodesis as a Treatment for SLAC (Scapholunate Advanced Collapse) Wrist. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1753193408087116

[49] Detection of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis wrist joints with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and radiography. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2008. DOI: 10.1186/ar2378

[50] Joint Space Height Correlates with Arthroscopic Grading of Wrist Arthritis. HAND. 2013. DOI: 10.1007/s11552-013-9522-9

[51] Long-Term Results of Arthroscopic Wrist Synovectomy in Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.04.022

[52] Quantitative 3-D CT Demonstrates Distal Row Pronation and Translation and Radiolunate Arthritis in the SNAC Wrist. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.22.01350

[53] Validity of a computer-assisted manual segmentation software to quantify wrist erosion volume using computed tomography scans in rheumatoid arthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2013. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-265

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d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.


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