Wrist Replacement

Wrist Replacement Surgery in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Overview of Wrist Replacement

Wrist Replacement is a surgical procedure performed by an orthopedic doctor, to replace a damaged wrist joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis), in case of extreme pain, injury, or a broken wrist. It is a less common surgical technique in comparison to knee and hip replacement surgery.

It is also called wrist arthroplasty. The wrist joint is more complicated than other joints. Wrist replacement surgery improves the mobility of the wrist joint and gives relief from extreme pain in the hand. Unlike knee and hip replacement, wrist replacement can be done in an outpatient method. It is done in addition to other repairs done to the hand such as repairing damage of the fingers, nerves, thumb, etc.

About Wrist Replacement Surgery

An incision is made on the back of the wrist. To expose the wrist joint, tendons are moved away.
The damaged joint surfaces are removed with the help of surgical instruments.

The carpal bones are also removed (only the first row) and artificial components (prosthesis) are placed with bone cement. A plastic spacer is fit between the metal components. The sutures are done after testing the wrist movements. The incisions are closed and a cast is applied.

If you need a wrist replacement surgery, search for an orthopedic doctor near you or an orthopedic hospital near you.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Who Qualifies for Wrist Replacement?

If you are facing any issue such as severe pain in the wrist, deformity, or disability, including poor grip strength or weakness in the wrist, wrist replacement surgery will be recommended by your orthopedics doctor. In some cases of arthritis, the strength of the fingers and hand is affected making it difficult for you to grip or pinch.

If you are having problems such as clicking, cracking, or grinding sounds on moving your wrist, 
Reduced range of motions, swelling, or stiffness in the wrist area. You need to consult your orthopedics doctor.

Why Is Wrist Replacement Surgery conducted?

Wrist replacement surgery is not very common. It is recommended by your doctor in cases of:

• Inflammatory forms of arthritis
• Wrist joint infections
• Wrist joint injuries such as fractures, torn ligaments, and cartilage
• Sports injury
• Osteoarthritis (wear and tear type of arthritis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (Inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane)

Benefits of Wrist Replacement

The benefits of wrist replacement are:

• Reduction and elimination of pain
• Improved mobility
• Greater strength
• You can get back to your normal lifestyle
• You can now have a stronger grip and can resume normal day-to-day activities with your hand.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

Risks or Complications associated with the surgery

When performed by experts, complications are uncommon. Yet, every patient must be aware of the possible risks or complications. Some of the risks and complications include:

• Anesthesia reaction
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Loosening of the implants
• Wear and tear of the implants
• Damage to the nerves
• Wrist stiffness and pain

Rehabilitation

After you are done with the wrist replacement surgery, a physical therapist will direct your recovery. Recovery from this surgery takes up to three months as the wrist is an area which moves a lot and utmost care is required.

Therapy treatments also help in controlling swelling or stiffness in the hand. Gentle massage and other types of hands-on treatments are also done by physical therapists.

References

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Wrist_Replacement
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/wrist-joint-replacement-wrist-arthroplasty/
https://www.assh.org/handcare/blog/an-overview-of-wrist-replacement-surgery