What is a wrist arthrodesis?

What is a wrist arthrodesis?

Wrist arthrodesis, also known as wrist fusion, is a procedure in which the wrist joint is immobilized by fusing the radius to the carpal bones. It is a procedure used for pain relief purposes in conditions such as advanced wrist arthritis, following wrist fractures, or severe ligament injuries.

How long does it take to recover from arthrodesis?

Full recovery time for arthrodesis takes four to nine months, depending on the severity of your condition before surgery, and the complexity of your procedure.

How long is recovery from wrist fusion?

It can take about 3 months to recover from wrist fusion. Right after surgery, you’ll need to avoid placing weight on your wrist for about 2 weeks. You’ll also need to wear a brace during this time. After 2 weeks, you’ll go to the doctor for a checkup.

How is an arthrodesis performed?

Arthrodesis, also referred to as a joint fusion, the uniting of two bones at a joint, is typically completed through surgery. In simple terms, the orthopedic surgeon manually straightens out the damaged joint, removes the cartilage, and then stabilizes the bone so that they heal together.

Is arthrodesis the same as a fusion?

Arthrodesis is also known as syndesis or artificial ankylosis. It is also commonly referred to as joint fusion. It is a method of surgical joint ossification used to fuse the bones in a joint when other treatments do not yield positive results.

What is a wrist fusion?

Total wrist arthrodesis, also known as wrist fusion is a surgical procedure in which the wrist joint is stabilized or immobilized by fusing the forearm bone (radius) with the small bones of the wrist. Arthrodesis is done to relieve the pain after severe trauma to the wrist.

How long do you stay in the hospital after triple arthrodesis surgery?

Most people are in hospital for 2-4 days. Will I have to go to sleep (general anaesthetic)? The operation can be done under general anaesthetic (asleep). Alternatively, an injection in the back, leg or around the ankle can be given to make the foot numb while you remain awake.

Can you bend your wrist after fusion?

The joints between the ulna and the radius are what allow you to turn the palm of your hand up and down. By not fusing the ulna, you should still be able to rotate your hand. However, you will not be able to bend your wrist after the operation.

Is arthrodesis same as laminectomy?

In some cases, spinal fusion (arthrodesis) may be done at the same time to help stabilize sections of the spine treated with decompressive laminectomy. Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours.

What happens after wrist fusion?

After surgery, you will wear an elbow-length cast for about six weeks. This holds the wrist still while the ends of the bones fuse together. Your surgeon will want to check your hand within five to seven days. Stitches will be removed after 10 to 14 days, although most of them will have been absorbed by your body.