Wrist Joint Replacement

What is a Wrist Joint replacement?

A Wrist Joint Replacement Procedure (also known as a Wrist Arthroplasty) replaces all parts of the natural surface of the wrist joint that are worn out with an artificial cover known as prosthesis.

A prosthesis is typically made of metal and plastic components. The metal components cover the surface of the damaged or diseased joint and the plastic component acts as a buffer between the two and allows the new joint to move freely. This operation is less frequently performed in comparison to many other joint replacement procedures.

Why is a Wrist Joint Replacement performed?

A Wrist Joint Replacement is usually performed on individuals who have chronic degenerative conditions such as Osteo or Rheumatoid Arthritis and that have failed to respond to conservative treatment. The primary reason to perform a Wrist Joint Replacement is to relieve significant pain.

How is a Wrist Joint Replacement procedure carried out?

Wrist Joint Replacement can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Regional Anaesthetic (you will be awake). The procedure usually takes around one to two hours to complete, dependant on the complexity of the original wrist deformity.

An incision is made on the back of the wrist in order for the surgeon to move the skin and tendons out the way and then carefully remove the ends of the lower arm bones (Radius and Ulna) and the first row of the hand (Carpal) bones in the hand. The Prosthesis is then attached in place over both surfaces with either a series of screws or cement and a plastic buffer is placed in-between.

The wound is the closed with absorbable stitches and covered with an absorbent dressing. The new joint is then supported and secured in position with a temporary plaster cast.  

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid serious complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) from developing. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged from hospital the day after surgery.

After two weeks the plaster cast will be removed and replaced with a lightweight support splint. Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their joints function and mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by gently increasing their new joints weight bearing capability.

Your Consultant Surgeon will then assess your new wrist joints range of movement after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your wrist replacement operation has been. Patients should expect a continuous physical recovery to take up to nine months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated Wrist Joint Replacement surgery?

Although Hand and Wrist surgery is regularly performed without any complications, Wrist joint Replacement procedures can be more problematic and it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist complex surgery.

All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation with an expert Wrist Replacement surgery to discuss your condition in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Wrist Joint Replacement surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Hand and Wrist surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex Hand and Wrist surgery and because of their specialist upper limb surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Hand and Wrist surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com