Overview

Wrist fusion, also known as wrist arthrodesis, is a surgical procedure that involves permanently joining the bones of the wrist joint. It is typically performed to treat severe wrist arthritis, chronic wrist pain, or wrist instability that hasn't responded to conservative treatments. During the procedure, the damaged wrist bones are fused using screws, plates, or rods. This eliminates the movement in the wrist joint, providing pain relief and improved stability. However, wrist fusion results in a loss of wrist motion, and the forearm and hand must compensate for the restricted movement.

Who needs Wrist Fusion?

The main aim of the surgery is to lower the wrist pain and allow the patient to strengthen the grip. Mentioned below are some of the medical conditions that require wrist surgery:

- Rheumatoid Arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis affects the bones and joints of the wrist. As a result, the affected individual cannot hold, bend, or grasp through the wrist. The surgery helps to lower the pain and heal arthritis. After the surgery, the individual can perform different wrist movements and functions efficiently.
- Wrist Fractures or Trauma- In cases of severe wrist fractures or traumatic injuries that result in extensive damage to the joint surfaces, wrist fusion may be necessary to promote healing and restore function.
- Traumatic Arthritis- Traumatic arthritis, also known as post-traumatic arthritis, is a type of arthritis that develops as a result of a previous joint injury or trauma. It occurs when the cartilage in a joint is damaged or injured, leading to joint inflammation and degeneration over time.

It can be experienced immediately after the surgery. The surgical procedure helps to lower the pain and allows the patient to perform wrist movements efficiently.

- Wrist Joint Instability- Wrist fusion is often recommended when the ligaments and tissues supporting the wrist are severely damaged, leading to joint instability.
- Osteoarthritis- It is a medical situation in which the individual feels pain, tingling sensation, or numbness in the wrist. The surgery helps to relieve the root cause of such issues and helps to lower such signs.
- Wrist Tumour or Infection- In rare cases of wrist tumours or chronic infections that affect the joint, wrist fusion may be performed to address the underlying condition and stabilise the joint.
- Congenital Deformities- Some individuals may have congenital (birth) deformities or malformations of the wrist joint, leading to pain.
- Wrist Fracture- A wrist surgery can also help to heal a wrist fracture. The surgery helps heal the broken joints and allows one to move the wrist without pain.

How is wrist surgery performed?

Different tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiograms, and radiography, are performed to closely examine the patient's vital stats. A patient is given anaesthesia before performing the wrist fusion surgery. It helps to lower the pain and avoid any form of discomfort during the surgery. Incisions over the wrist are made, which helps to expose the joints and damaged cartilage. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage to lower the wrist pain. The surgeon also aligns the bones and then connects them with the help of screws and plates. The surgery is winded up by stitching the incisions.

Advantages of a Wrist Fusion

Mentioned below are some of the benefits of the wrist surgery:

- Pain Relief- One of the most significant advantages of wrist surgery is relief from pain. The surgery helps to get rid of damaged cartilage that may cause pain in the wrist. The surgery is also helpful for people who have issues in the wrist bones and cannot perform actions such as holding, gripping, or pulling things.
- Strengthened Grip- Another advantage of the surgery is improved grip. The individual affected by the wrist issue cannot have a firm grip. It may be a limitation in performing different types of routine activities. An improved grip indicates low pain and successful wrist surgery.
- Increased Wrist Stability- A wrist surgery is also helpful to improve the stability of the wrist. The affected patient can seamlessly perform different wrist activities and have a stable wrist.
- Increased Functionality- While wrist fusion restricts wrist movement, it can still provide satisfactory hand functionality. People often adapt and use their fingers and forearm more effectively to compensate for the limited wrist motion.
- Elimination of Grinding Sensation- In cases of severe arthritis, where the wrist joint surfaces are damaged and rubbing against each other, wrist fusion eliminates the painful grinding sensation, improving overall comfort.

Risks and Complications of Wrist Fusion

- Limited Mobility- A wrist surgery fuses the wrist joint. The individual cannot flex or move the wrist the way he/she used to before the surgery. The patient may not be able to move the wrist properly and act as an obstruction for different activities.
- Low Grip- The main aim of wrist surgery is to strengthen the grip of the wrist, but it may also work the opposite if the surgery is not performed correctly. A weak grip is also one of the risks of the surgery.
- Swelling- Swelling is one of the most common forms of risk experienced after surgery. Swelling is also one of the complications after wrist surgery. It can be lowered with the help of icing and medicines.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

- Icing helps to lower the swelling. It must be done as suggested by the doctor.
- The operated arm should be kept elevated to avoid swelling and other medical issues.
- Consume the medications given by the doctor as suggested by him to lower pain and swelling.
- In case of chills, shortness of breath, redness, swelling, and other similar symptoms, one should immediately consult a doctor.
- If a patient experiences pus at the incision site, the condition should be checked by professional medical help to avoid infection.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/arthroscopy/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/wrist-fusion
- https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-12/Total%20Wrist%20Fusion.pdf