During wrist fusion, the bones in the wrist joint are permanently joined with screws. This locks the wrist in order to reduce pain.
Also Known As:
- Wrist surgery
- Arthritis surgery
- Wrist arthrodesis
- Wrist joint fusion
Conditions Treated with Wrist Fusion:
Wrist fusion is utilized in order to treat severe wrist pain, failed wrist replacement, chronic sepsis and wrist injuries, in addition to arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the wrist.
Non-surgical alternatives to wrist fusion include strength training, bracing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory steroid injections and pain medications. A wrist replacement may be performed as a surgical alternative.
Anesthesia with Wrist Fusion:
Wrist fusion is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from Wrist Fusion:
Possible risks following wrist fusion include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience reduced mobility and for the bones to fail to fuse together.
Prognosis after Wrist Fusion:
The prognosis for a positive end result following wrist fusion is excellent. Joint pain is usually relieved.
Recovery from Wrist Fusion:
The total recovery time after wrist fusion is eight to 12 weeks.