Complications after wrist fusion

[chr1stine]

Hi all, hope someone can help me.

I recently had a wrist fusion, and a tendon repair after a ruptured thumb extensor tendon due to rheumatiod arthritis.  During my recovery, the pin from the fusion was rejected by my body and ended up in my trigger finger preventing extensor movement, and so I then had to have more surgery to move the pin back into a more secure position, and so far the pin has stayed secure.

I had the dressings removed a few days ago, and have found that I now have no extensor function in my little finger? they are now sending me for a ultrasound.  I have still not regained any extensor function in my trigger finger, and am now feeling that I seem to be losing my fingers one by one!!!

Can anyone tell me what may of coursed the entensor function in my little finger to dissapear, after the fusion it was fine, it was only after the pin was repositioned this happened.

[chr1stine]

Thank you Dr Vinod, I must admit I am regretting having any of this done, and I am just hoping that more surgery is not necessary.  I have been off work now alot longer than originally expected and the financial strain is hitting me hard, with a young family to support the depression is kicking in a little, not to mention the care I have to arrange when I am having surgery, having a family living so far away, getting help is very difficult.
Again thank you for your help.

[Dr Vinod]

If there are damaged fibres then you need rest and immobilisation to heal. If the fibres are near the insertion, (you have to know that a tendon connects a muscle to a bone) then sometimes it is difficult to heal the natural way, where you need surgical intervention.
1) The tendon should be positioned perfectly
2) The nerve supply should be intact
3) There should be no damage at origin, tendon and insertion place.
These are the anatomical things which the surgeon has to correct and ensure that your exensor tenson works perfectly after this. Pin is a method where the surgeon is trying to hold the tendon in position.

[chr1stine]

Thank you for your reply, if it is damage to fibres, will they heal themselves or will I need further surgery to correct this, obviously if the pin has not been positioned correctly I would again need surgery to reposition or remove it.

[Dr Vinod]

If it is damage to your fibres or pin not being placed properly to restrict the movements are the  two common reasons, for you problem. Try assessing the case near your operating surgeon and ask the best possible way for damage control. Take care!