CT Motion-Analysis of Implant Loosening in Total Wrist Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is a motion-preserving treatment option for wrist arthritis. High-precision measurement methods for implant migration such as computed tomography motion-analysis (CTMA) can potentially detect poor implant fixation. The aim of this pilot study was to assess CTMA as a complementary method to diagnose aseptic loosening of TWA. Materials and Methods Three patients with a TWA and wrist pain during activity underwent induced displacement CT (CTMA) with alternated provocations as a complement to plain radiographs. Results Two of the three patients had displacement of the carpal component on CTMA. The radial component was stable in all cases. The tool was adapted to clinical routine use. Conclusions CT motion-analysis could be a valuable adjunct to plain radiographs in assessing component loosening in TWA.