four-corner fusion of the wrist (avascular necrosis of the scaphoid)

[lerrymoe]

Hello, I have developed somehow an avascular necrosis of the scaphoid. The condition happens when the the scaphoid is broken and one of the parts is not supplied with blood and dies. The only good news is that it was not on my right hand, since I'm right handed. The doc wants now to do a partial fusion of the wrist, with excision of the scaphoid and fusing the other 4 bones on the top of the wrist to provide stability. The excision of the scaphoid is said to be the only solution with partial fution of the wrist since I have alredy developed arthritis on the concerned wrist.  

My current situation is the following: almost no extention or flexion on the wrist; all other movements intact. If I keep the hand continuously in a splint i'll have no pain, but if i take it out i'll have pain in a very short time, doing even minor tasks.

Since I am quite young (29yrs) I am wondering what should I do. I dont want to live in pain, but I also know that this surgery will probably not be the end of this story. I know about this since the beginning of the year, and since then I've also done almost no sports. Before that I did sports almost every day.

My question is: has anyone here experience with partial fusion of the wrist? (four-corner fusion). Would you recommend it? What was the outcome?

Thanks a lot in advance,

Lerry  

[mutleyracers1]

any chance of an update mike. what was the pain you are have been experiencing?  Also, have you been able to carry on with your sports and martial arts?

regards
Lee

[txdrew]

anyone heard of 'Pyrocarbon Adaptive Proximal Scaphoid Implant (APSI).' for treatment of SNAC?
i just read a  study article about it dated jun of 2013. there were positive results for all the patients in the study, without need for fusion of the joint. i knew that it had been explored in the past with mixed results, but this is recent, and sounded very positive. ive been holding off on surgery, because i dont want to lose what range of motion i have left.
i look forward to any new developements on this front.....

[Schlutini]

I surf all the time since four corner fusion surgery. My hand hurts at times but not too bad. Its a little tougher popping up but you learn to adapt. Had the procedure three years ago come end of May. At 57 years old I am still riding a short board 6' 2". Would probably be easier if you ride a fun shape or longboard. Bottom line is if you want to do something bad enough you find a way. Good luck with your situation.

      

[chriswolman]

Can you still surf with your scapnoid injury? Have you after surgery from the four corner fusion?

I am an avid surfer, and broke my scapnoid. It didn't reheal after the complete fracture, and was split in half. After being pinned, it didn't heal. I  got hit by a car on my bicycle.

[Thehellion67]

Hi ,august 9 th had my 4-corner fusion and scaphoid excision plus work on nerves as well.
Had a car accident in the past.
My dearest hobby is icehockey and I work as an airline captain.
I hope I Can return my profession but I am worried about icehockey- Any hockey players here?
Cheers JA

[Thehellion67]

Hi ,august 9 th had my 4-corner fusion and scaphoid excision plus work on nerves as well.
Had a car accident in the past.
My dearest hobby is icehockey and I work as an airline captain.
I hope I Can return my profession but I am worried about icehockey- Any hockey players here?
Cheers JA