Long-term results of bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist

Publication date: August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Volume 71, Issue 8

Author(s): Mehran Dadras, Christian Böhm, Christoph Wallner, Johannes Maximilian Wagner, Björn Behr, Marcus Lehnhardt, Adrien Daigeler

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.

Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations. The range of motion of the wrist and grip strength of the affected side was 49% (SD 20%) and 70% (SD 28%) of the contralateral side, respectively. In conclusion, septic arthritis of the wrist leads to long-term functional restrictions with a strong correlation with the stage of the disease. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are paramount.