Infection. Infection can be a very serious complication following an artificial joint replacement. The chance of getting an infection following artificial joint replacement is approximately 1%-2%. Some infections may show up before the patient leaves the hospital. Others may not become apparent for months, or even years, after the operation. Infection can spread into the artificial joint from other infected areas. Patients may need to take antibiotics before having dental work or surgical procedures on the bladder and colon to reduce the risk of spreading germs to the joint.

Loosening. The major reason that artificial joints eventually fail continues to be a process of loosening where the metal or cement meets the bone. There have been great advances in extending how long an artificial joint will last, but most will eventually loosen and require a revision. In the past, the artificial wrist joint has not been considered as successful as hip and knee replacement because of a higher risk of loosening and failure. The risk of loosening is much higher in younger, more active patients. A loose prosthesis is a problem because it causes pain. Once the pain becomes unbearable, another operation will probably be required to either revise the wrist replacement or perform a wrist fusion.

Nerve Injury. All of the nerves and blood vessels that go to the hand travel across the wrist joint. Wrist operations are performed very close to these important structures making it possible to injure either the nerves or the blood vessels during surgery. The result may be temporary if the nerves have been stretched by retractors holding them out of the way. It is very uncommon to have permanent injury to either the nerves or the blood vessels, but it is possible.