After Wrist Fusion

[Yzergirl]

My surgeon has suggested wrist fusion surgery after a pretty nasty bike accident caused a wrist fracture -- I believe it was a comminuted intra-articular Smith's-type fracture requiring internal fixation.  Basically, the fracture extended into the joint, and the radius bone shattered, and is now about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch shorter than it used to be.  It required emergency surgery, and the insertion of a metal plate and several screws.  The plate has come out, ostoarthritis has set in, and the pain remains unbearable.  I understand fusion surgery *may* help, but much of  my pain is under the incision site, not in the joints.  I'm worried about the lack of mobility after surgery, and wonder has anyone had this surgery and what was the outcome?  Will I be able to type?  Drive?  


This discussion is related to After wrist fusion.

[RB19]

I am 23 and have instability from a ligament injury from a MVA.  It is my right wrist and I am right dominant.  I had surgery, dorsal wrist arthroplasty, almost a year ago.  4 months post op my doctor drop the partial wrist fusion bomb shell, I did not see it coming. I still have pain everyday, decreased grip strength, my ulnar sided pain is back, and my shoulder, elbow and left arm are starting to feel the effects of increased use.  I am a RN.  I know I will go through with the surgery but I would love to hear how people feel after a partial wrist fusion. Any regrets?  Being young do I have more to consider down the road.  Quite honestly I want to just jump on my bike and ride again, or dive into a pool and swim labs again without pain or needing to put on a splint!  

[padib14]

I had a full wrist fusion done in November last year. I was in one day and out the next. I have had an a/o plate fitted with 7 screws. Scar is fairly raw still and is over 6 inches in length. I wasnt offered any follow up physio or anything but would go back if i didnt think it was progressing. Obviously the lack of movement was a worry and it is a very weird sensation when you get the plaster off (8-10 weeks). The lack of movement is very pronounced to start with. I still have full circular rotation of the wrist but no up and down or side to side. My injury was to the left wrist so I have now mastered typing again with only minor adjustment involving slightly more movement of the left arm to reach for top keys. Playing with your boy may be awkward for a time but you eventually get used to the inconvenience and can manage most things. Try to concentrate now on things that require bending of the wrist before you go for the op. I think as a carpenter you may have a problem because of the flexibility required for awkward corners joints etc. I have noticed things like getting in and out of the bath when you would normally push up with both hands involving bending the wrist, press-ups for those physically minded. this can be overcome by doing pressups on your knuckles with your arms under your body as opposed to either side of you head. Harder but achievable. Your surgeon may be able to give you a rigid support to wear giving you some idea of the lack of movement you will have post op.

[komplikated]

i also have had bad wrist problems, i am a 27 yr old male with a bad non union scaphoid - i just had my second surgery on it, first surgery was 10 yrs ago - i had 4 pins and a autograft - just two weeks ago i had a screw put through it and a BMP allograft because of a second fracture resulting in complete non union (who knows how long ago) had the stitches taken taken out at 10 days post-op and dr said little to no signs of healing and that he doubted it would heal at all.  i did not have avascular necrosis - if it does not heal i am afraid that i will need partial wrist fusion in the not so distant future - what is this going to do to my range of motion and ability to perform daily activities - play with my son, catch a baeball, ride a bike, WORK (im a carpenter).....  if anyone can give me some insight i would greatly appreciate it.....