Surgery for wrist osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of pain and functional impairment in older adults. The prevalence of wrist osteoarthritis ranges from 1.0% to 1.7% in the general population, but occurs radiographically in up to one-third of individuals aged 75 to 79 years. Wrist osteoarthritis most commonly develops secondarily after prior trauma, particularly ligament injury or wrist fractures. Characteristic patterns include SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse) and SNAC (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse). Diagnosis is based on clinical features and imaging findings, with patients presenting with pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced function. Initial management consists of non-surgical approaches including wrist splinting, activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. When symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgical options are considered.