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Spontaneous radioscapholunate fusion after septic arthritis of the wrist: a case report

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Abstract

Bacterial septic arthritis rarely occurs in the upper extremities. Yet, early diagnosis and treatment is important, as a delay in diagnosis results in pain, impaired hand function, and degenerative joint disease. Radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis is a well-established procedure for treating inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis (primary or posttraumatic), primarily to achieve pain relief. The wrist deformity correction offers an alternative option to total wrist arthrodesis. Indications for a RSL arthrodesis are osteoarthritis of the radiolunate and radioscaphoid joint with a concomitant intact midcarpal joint. We present a case study of spontaneous RSL fusion post wrist infection caused by a dog bite.

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Correspondence to S. Quadlbauer.

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The authors, their immediate families, and any research foundations with which they are affiliated have not received any financial payments or other benefits from any commercial entity related to the subject of this article.

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Quadlbauer, S., Pezzei, C., Jurkowitsch, J. et al. Spontaneous radioscapholunate fusion after septic arthritis of the wrist: a case report. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 137, 579–584 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-017-2659-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-017-2659-1

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