Wrist Replacement

Wrist Replacement Surgery in Kondapur, Hyderabad

The procedure of removing a damaged wrist joint and replacing it with an artificial joint is known as wrist replacement or wrist arthroplasty. Wrist replacement is performed to stabilize and correct your damaged wrist with the help of a prosthesis. The surgery is only done when other conservative methods have failed.

To correct and preserve the wrist motion total wrist arthroplasty is done, which is an alternative to arthrodesis of the wrist. This lasts for 10-15 years. The new generation implants at Apollo Kondapur have a high rate of implant survival.

Patients with total wrist replacements are advised not to lift or push anything heavy. The total wrist replacement demands a slow and safe lifestyle. Patients with high activity and physical demands are not suited for total wrist replacement.

What is an artificial or prosthetic wrist?

In the olden days, the artificial or prosthetic wrist implants were very weak and had a lot of complications, but with the advancement in technology, nowadays, prosthetic wrists are very durable and safe. The implants are made of metal or plastic and have two main components.

• Distal component: This part is made of metal and replaces the small wrist bones. The distal component is globe-shaped and fits in the plastic socket at the end of the radius. This helps to perform wrist motion.
• Radial component: This component fits against the end of the radius bone. The radial component is mainly made out of two pieces. A flat metal part that fits down in the canal of the bone and a plastic cup that fits onto the metal part.

Normally, a proper stable prosthesis should let you have 35o of flexion and 35o of extension.

When should someone opt for wrist replacement?

People with severe arthritis at the wrist can opt for such a procedure. The symptoms of wrist arthritis are as follows:

• Pain in the wrist joint and hand.
• Swelling near the damaged area.
• Stiffness.
• Your range of motion will reduce.
• Clicking and grinding sound.

Other indications for which one should do wrist replacement are:

• Failed wrist fusion, etc.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Wrist osteoarthritis.

What happens before the surgery?

Normally, you must not eat or drink on the day of the surgery. You should ask your doctor about the type of medications you can take and discuss the procedure. You may be asked by your doctor not to take any blood-thinning agents two or three days before the surgery.

What happens during the surgery?

Before the surgery starts you will be given general or local anaesthesia to put you to sleep or to numb the dedicated area where the surgery will be performed. After the anaesthesia, a longitudinal incision over the back of the wrist is done.

Then the wrist joint is exposed by removing the tendons and the nerves. The damaged parts are then removed by using a saw. After this, the radical bone is hollowed and the radial component of the prosthesis is fixed. The new prosthetic wrist is then fixed and the motion and movement of the new wrist are checked, once done, the incisions are closed using sutures. The operated area is then bandaged with a sterile dressing.

What happens after the surgery?

The following should be done after the surgery:

• Proper dressing of the operated area.
• Elevation of the limb to control swelling.
• After some period try to make small movements.
• Take the prescribed medicines and have a healthy diet.
• Don’t smoke or drink as it can slow the healing process.
• Avoid lifting heavy things and placing your arm in extreme positions.

What are the risks of wrist replacement?

The following are the complications and risks involved with wrist replacement:

• Infections at the operated area.
• Dislocation of the new wrist.
• Instability of the wrist.
• There are chances of implant failure.
• Your nerves and blood vessels can also get damaged.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

Wrist replacement is a safe procedure and it is done to treat the damaged tissues, tendon, bones, etc. There are fewer complications compared to other such surgeries.