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Wrist Replacement
Wrist Replacement
What is Wrist Replacement Surgery?
Wrist replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which a severely injured or damaged wrist is replaced by an artificial implant of the wrist joint.
Wrist replacement surgery aims to achieve recovery of wrist movements. The length of the tendons and muscles of the fingers are restored as well, and in this way the lost strength is recovered. The patient's ability to engage in daily activities is also improved.
The Wrist Implant
The wrist implant may be of different designs. Mostly, the wrist implant consists of two components that are required for the two sides of the joint. The components are metal made and in the space between the components a superior quality plastic is used. Modern day implants replicate the wrist anatomy.
One component is placed into the forearm radius. The part of this component towards the wrist joint consists of a curve that fits the other component. The carpal component that is placed into the hand bone is inserted through one long and two shorter stems. It consists of a flat surface. The plastic spacer is placed between the two components in the area of the joint. It comes in different sizes and is shaped flat on one side and curved on the other. Due to this design, it is able to fit into the carpal component, and move on the radial component. This enables natural wrist movements.
How is Wrist Replacement Surgery Performed?
- An incision is made on the posterior side of the wrist.
- The tendons in the wrist are moved out of the way to reach the joint capsule.
- The joint capsule is opened to reveal the wrist joint.
- The damaged portions of the bones of the lower arm are removed.
- The foremost line of carpal bones may also be extracted.
- The radial component of the wrist implant is placed into the middle of the radius bone on the exterior side of the lower arm. Bone cement is used to hold the component in place.
- The carpal component is subsequently placed into the third metacarpal or attached to the remaining line of carpal bones. Bone cement is used to fix the component in place.
- The carpal bones may be joined together to support the component in a better way.
- The spacer is placed between the components.
- The tendons are placed back and the incision is closed.
How to Prepare for Wrist Replacement?
- The patient is physically examined to ensure that the patient is in a good condition to undergo surgery.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient is taking with or without a prescription. These may include supplements or herbs or drugs.
- Certain medication that the patient is taking may be stopped two weeks before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has any ailments or medical conditions.
- The patient may be required to meet the physical or occupational therapist to learn some exercises before the surgery. The physical therapist helps the patient to be prepared for the post-surgery rehabilitation.
- The patient must stop smoking to ensure a quick recovery.
What are the tests required?
The tests required before the procedure is X- rays.
How much time is required?
Wrist replacement may be done as an outpatient procedure.
Some patients may need to be hospitalized for a day after the surgery.
What is the cost of the procedure?
The cost of replacing one wrist is about 5500-6500 USD
What type of anesthesia will be given?
General or Regional Anesthesia
How will patient recover?
Risks of anesthesia include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Allergic reaction to medication
Risks of wrist replacement include:
- Loosening of the artificial joint
- Severe pain
- Requirement of another surgery
- Nerve and blood vessel injury
- Bleeding
- Blood clotting
- Infection
What should be cared?
- The patient is required to undergo physical and occupational therapy which will help in controlling pain and swelling. Some exercises will help in gaining strength and stability of the wrist joint. The exercises should be continued even after the physical therapy sessions are over.
- The patient should avoid using tools like hammers, drills etc.
- Lifting weight should be limited and physical activities that may result in a fall should be strictly avoided.
- The patient is advised to schedule follow up visits with the doctor on a regular basis.
