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1027575 tn?1390960418

Total Wrist Fusion

well today is the big day, it's 10:50am central time and i have to be at the surgery center by 1pm.  Today i'm having a total fusion of my dominate left hand, i have looked at all options and this is in my best option if i want to get on with my life as normal as possible if that makes any sense.  I've had three operations on my left hand apr 30, 2008, feb. 13 2009 and june 6 2009.  the orginal problem for the first surgery was a small tear in the TFCC ligament, that it.  i had extensive physical therapy after each surgery with only temporary relief and sometimes no relief of pain.  I went through the process to change doctors through workers comp. which went ok.  My new doctor reviewed my previous records and more checks and test and we (Doc. and I)  determined the best option due to the type of work i do and the very active life style i have is to have a TOTAL WRIST FUSION.  I plan keep everyone updated as often as possible, i want others to know what i'm going through and hopefully inform them what they will be going through.  Oh by the way the reason for the total wirist fusion is my cartlidge is totally destroyed, i have a legal matter going on so i can't mention the cause of the destroyed cartlidge.  Talk to ya'll later  Phill
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1027575 tn?1390960418
JD welcome to the Total Wrist Fusion thread, I started this thread 4 1/2 years ago to inform others what I had to go through with my fusion and maybe give some answers that I couldn't find in other threads. I've always wondered about having screws removed and what it took to remove them.  It was my understanding the screws sat below tendons and would have to be moved to the side before a screw could be removed. Also the reason screws are usually removed is because head of the screws tends to rub against the tendons causing pain or discomfort. JD thanks for your input.  Phill
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1027575 tn?1390960418
I returned back to Aircraft maintenance after 4 months to the day.
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Avatar universal
Hey Blondie! I am the "new" Orthopedic Community Leader for MedHelp. I just wanted to wish you the best on your recovery. It sounds like you are doing great! I am new to this site and I am trying to give info where ever I can (huge back log). I can only give you my opinion, please consult your physician for anything definite (it's a legal thing). If your fusion is close enough to full recovery, I feel (I am a Orthopedic First Assistant) removing that screw shouldn't be a problem. I have removed them in the office (exam room). A little local anesthetic (I use a mixture of 1% Lidocaine and 0.5% Marcaine) and borrow a screwdriver from the OR. Takes just a few minutes. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!

PS Do you play golf? I do not, even though I live a few miles from Myrtle Beach, SC I have a poster that is going to have the same surgery as you and his biggest worry is how it's going to effect his golf game. Any thoughts I could convey to him?

Best wishes! jd1963
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Avatar universal
Not yet. I was driving a truck moving heavy equipment. I don't have much movement back in my hand yet. I had a lot of damage from secondary sources ( external fixator) so there is a very good possibility I won't be able to do that job. I have an appointment on May 6th to see if the screw has backed out more. I am going to ask him then.
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Avatar universal
       Hi blondie are you back to work yet after six month
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Avatar universal
It's been almost 7 months since total wrist fusion. My six month checkup was good. The fusion is taking well. I have one screw that is backed out. I finally got my approval for physical therapy. I have started using my hand more. It is very stiff but I have a lot of damage from the fixators. I don't think that will ever go away. I do have less pain so I can manage the stiffness. I don't lift much weight with it. My doctor has been very cautious since the fusion. I don't want to go thru this again. My knuckles are very sensitive. After working my hand I tend to have swelling across them. My arm and hand get very cold but again this is something I can live with. I will post results from PT.
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