continuing pain post ulnar osteotomy

I had tfcc tears to my left wrist and post-ulnar shortenind osteotomy 6 month. i am still having end-movements pain to my left Ulnar bone. the pain even present such as washing hands and wearing gloves. the more i use the arm and the hand, the more hurts i feel. the residual pain is unbelievable. I have been taken tylenol # for relieving the pain. Around 5 mons post, Xray showed not healed. 6 month post, Bone union by Xray. however, the CT showed the bony ankylosis at the distal osteotomy site. What is the problem?  

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, though some amount of residual discomfort is common post osteotomy, which generally heals over time; there could be several factors involved with delayed healing, like infections, inflammation, lack of nutrition, inadequate immobilization, inherent tendency to heal slowly etc. Ankylosis could cause joint stiffness and discomfort as well. This could have occurred due to increased amount of inflammation in your case. While mild ankylosis may respond to anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy, a few cases may need interventional procedures. You may like to discuss management options that would suit you the best, with your orthopedician in detail.
Hope this helps.

Take care!