SURGERY CONSULTATION
Wrist reconstruction surgery is often used to correct deformities that are caused by arthritis.
Wrist reconstruction surgery is sometimes required after a traumatic injury, or to correct an abnormality –such as one that’s caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
An estimated seven out of ten people with rheumatoid arthritis develop problems with their joints, bones, and other structures in their hands or wrist. Surgery is often used to correct these deformities.
The wrist itself is more complex and complicated than the hip or knee, and is made up of many small bones that are connected with tough tissue known as ligaments. Due to the complexity of the wrist and hand, the optimal surgical approach will vary depending on a number of different factors including the extent of the damage, as well as the patient’s preferences.
There are three main types of wrist reconstruction surgeries: arthrodesis (joint stabilization), arthroplasty (joint replacement), and tendon transfer. Your doctor will be able to help you determine which option is best for you.
Wrist Reconstructive Surgery
Arthrodesis involves fusing the bone to immobilize a joint. With arthrodesis, the wrist joint is stabilized by fusing the small bones of the wrist to the forearm. This procedure is often done when there is severe pain in the wrist, causing disability.
Arthroplasty is a procedure that involves joint replacement, or joint reconstruction using a prosthetic joint. Arthroplasty is a less common procedure, and in most cases it is only recommended after all other treatment options have been exhausted. Wrist arthroplasty can improve the wrist’s motion to about fifty percent of normal. With arthroplasty, there are usually limitations, such as not being able to play sports that would put you at risk for a wrist fracture.
A tendon transfer is used in cases where the tendon has ruptured due to rheumatoid arthritis, or if there are tendon fractures or lacerations that cannot be repaired without surgery. Wrist tendon surgery involves using tissue from another place in the body to repair the rupture.
Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to evaluate your condition to help you to determine whether surgery is the right option, and to help you determine a course of action that’s most beneficial for you.
At Blackstone Orthopedics, we provide orthopedic medicine for Rhode Island. Contact us today to learn more about wrist reconstruction surgery.
