What is a wrist arthrodesis?
Arthrodesis is the surgical immobilization of a joint by the fusion of the adjacent bone. In a wrist arthrodesis, also known as a wrist fusion, the wrist is stabilized by fusing the forearm bone with the small bones of the wrist.
Arthrodesis procedures are done to relieve pain after severe trauma, in this case to the wrist.
Who needs a wrist arthrodesis?
Your provider will first gather your medical history and perform a physical test as well as a few diagnostic tests. Wrist fusion surgery is mainly used to treat severe arthritis, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
It can also treat:
- Wrist fractures
- Severe wrist ligament injuries
- Genetic disorders
A wrist fusion surgery has several potential benefits, like pain relief and improved grip strength and wrist stability. Your provider may first recommend trying non-invasive treatments to treat the wrist pain, like anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and splinting. If the pain does not improve with these methods, surgery may be recommended.
What should I expect during a wrist arthrodesis?
During the wrist fusion surgery, your provider will expose the affected joint, adjust the ligaments, and remove the cartilage. Then, they will align the bones and fuse them together with plates and screws. Once the wound is closed, your wrist will be placed into a brace or cast to minimize movement.
After surgery, you will need to avoid placing weight on your wrist for about two weeks while wearing a brace. You will visit your provider periodically to ensure your wrist is healing as it should and after care treatments are going well. Typically, it takes approximately three months to fully recover. It is important to follow your providers recommendations to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
What are the risks of a wrist arthrodesis?
Like with all procedures, wrist fusions carry certain risks and side effects, like:
- Limited mobility due to fused joints.
- Reduced grip strength
- Wrist fusion scars
- Swelling after surgery
- Infection
- Excess bleeding
- Bones failing to fuse.
- Nerve injury
- Hardware problems
- Allergic reaction