The Wrist Joint Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis - Computational Biomechanics of the Wrist Joint - page 25

Chapter 3
The Wrist Joint Affected by Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Abstract This chapter begins with information on the pathological conditions
associated with the wrist joint. The following section discussed in detail on the
rheumatoid arthritis, as it is the most critical disease affecting the joint. Generally,
there are three main symptoms: synovial proliferation, cartilage destruction and
ligaments laxity. The disease progresses with several cascade events known as
pathophysiology. Scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC) and the destruction of
the capitolunate articulation were among of them. The severity of the disease
differs according to several categories or classifications established by previous
researcher—Larsen-Daale-Eek, Wrightington, Simmen and Hubber. As far as the
treatment was concerned, the most problematic option is the wrist arthroplasty
attributed to the loosening of the implant and metacarpal perforation, despite of its
advantage in preserving joint motion. This option, thus less preferred by medical
practitioners as compared to the arthrodesis or bone fusion. However, as the
technology progresses, the designs of the implants for arthroplasty were found to
be better and better, promising a more reliable treatment for the rheumatic wrist.
Keywords Wrist joint Rheumatoid arthritis Wrist arthroplasty Wrist
arthrodesis Scapholunate advance collapse Scapholunate dissociation
3.1 Pathology
Viegas et al. [ 1 ] through their cadaveric study have demonstrated valuable insights
into several different symptoms and characteristics of diseases associated with the
wrist joint. This study involved 393 cadaver wrists ranging from fetal to 99 years
old, with an average age of 67. Several diseases have been meticulously investi-
gated, including the arthrosis, chondromalacia and soft tissue damaged. Athrosis