Wrist Arthritis
Wrist arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and weakness that limits gripping, lifting, and daily hand function. Most wrist arthritis follows a previous injury, and treatment options range from biological therapy to surgical reconstruction.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Understanding wrist arthritis patterns
The wrist is made up of eight carpal bones with multiple articulations. Arthritis tends to follow predictable patterns based on the original injury.
- SLAC wrist: progressive arthritis following scapholunate ligament damage. The most common pattern.
- SNAC wrist: arthritis from an ununited scaphoid fracture altering wrist mechanics.
- Radiocarpal arthritis: affecting the joint between the radius and the carpal bones.
The stage and pattern of arthritis determines which treatments and surgical options are most appropriate.
Treatment options
- Splinting and activity modification to reduce painful loading.
- Injection therapy (steroid, HA, PRP) for pain and inflammation management.
- mFat biological treatment to support cartilage and delay surgical intervention.
- Surgical options: proximal row carpectomy, partial fusion, or total wrist fusion for advanced disease.
Our priority is preserving wrist movement for as long as possible. Every degree of motion maintained translates to better daily function. We exhaust biological and conservative options before recommending surgery.
You may have more options than you think
Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Preserve
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Repair
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Regenerate
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
Replace
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes wrist arthritis?
The most common cause is post-traumatic arthritis following a previous scaphoid fracture or ligament injury (particularly scapholunate). This leads to SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse) or SNAC (scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse) wrist patterns. Primary osteoarthritis of the wrist is less common.
What are the symptoms of wrist arthritis?
Pain with gripping, twisting, or loading through the wrist. Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest. Reduced range of motion in flexion, extension, or both. Swelling and tenderness over the affected area of the wrist.
Can wrist arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Splinting, activity modification, injection therapy (steroid, HA, PRP), and biological treatments such as mFat can manage symptoms and slow progression. These are particularly effective in early to moderate disease.
What surgical options exist for wrist arthritis?
Options include proximal row carpectomy (removing a row of carpal bones), partial wrist fusion (fusing the affected compartment), and total wrist fusion for end-stage disease. The choice depends on which compartments are affected and your functional requirements.
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