Shortening wrist arthrodesis using a Rush pin in adult spastic wrist: A series of 15 cases

In spastic patients, shortening wrist arthrodesis (SWA) is indicated in cases of severe fixed flexion contracture. At present, the most commonly used technique is dorsal plate osteosynthesis. Ideally, fixation with smaller hardware volume farther from the tendons would limit postoperative tendon irritation and reoperation rates for hardware removal. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of Rush pin SWA in adults. A retrospective study included all patients with a central neurological impairment, undergoing SWA using a Rush pin inserted through the head of the third metacarpal, and with at least 6 months’ follow-up. Attainment of preoperative objectives was evaluated by Global Assessment of Response to Treatment (GART, ranging from −4 to +4) and, for functional objectives, the House score and the Frenchay Arm Test. Consolidation and any degenerative changes in the third metacarpophalangeal joint were assessed on X-ray. Fifteen patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 6–29). In general, the preoperative objectives were attained: mean GART score was 2.7 (range, 1–4). Functional objectives were attained in 3 of the 11 patients followed up (27%). In all cases, the arthrodesis had healed at a mean 74 days (range, 39–102). Three had hardware removed after consolidation; 1 experienced discomfort at the head of the third metacarpal. Rush pin arthrodesis is an interesting alternative to plate arthrodesis in the management of severe wrist flexion contracture in spastic patients. It gives satisfactory results with regard to preoperative objectives and is not associated with complications. Level of evidence IV, retrospective study without control group.