Wrist Joint Replacement

Wrist Joint Replacement (Wrist Arthroplasty)

What is a Wrist Joint Replacement?

Wrist replacement, also referred to as wrist arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the diseased or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint- a prosthesis. It aims to create a stable, pain-free joint with a functional range of movement when conservative treatments have failed. Joint replacement surgery in the wrist is less common than knee or hip replacement, but can be an option if you have painful arthritis that does not respond to other treatments.

About Iranian Surgery

Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best orthopedic Surgeons in Iran. The price of a Wrist Joint replacement Surgery in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on photos and an in-person assessment with the doctor. So if you are looking for the cost of Wrist Joint replacement Surgery in Iran, you can contact us and get free consultation from Iranian surgery.

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Before Wrist Joint Replacement Surgery

Anatomy

The wrist is a more complicated joint than the hip or the knee. On the hand side of the wrist, there are two rows of bones at the base of the hand. There are four bones in each row. The bones in these rows are called the carpals. The long thin bones of the hand radiate out from one row of carpals and form the basis of the fingers and thumb.

The radius and the ulna are the two bones of the forearm that form a joint with the first row of carpals.

The ends of the bones are covered with an elastic tissue, called cartilage. Cartilage creates a slick surface that enables the bones to move smoothly when they move against each other.

Cause

If the cartilage is worn away or damaged by injury, infection, or disease, the bones themselves will rub against each other, wearing out the ends of the bones. This causes a painful, arthritic condition.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, results from a gradual wearing away of the cartilage covering on bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints that results in pain, stiffness and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects several joints on both the right and left sides of the body.

Both forms of arthritis may affect the strength of the fingers and hand, making it difficult to grip or pinch.

The typical candidate for wrist replacement surgery has severe arthritis but does not need to use the wrist to meet heavy demands in daily use. The primary reasons for wrist replacement surgery are to relieve pain and to maintain function in the wrist and hand.

Diagnosis

Your doctor diagnoses arthritis of the wrist joints after reviewing your medical history, performing a physical examination, and obtaining X-rays. Additionally, blood tests may also be ordered to confirm the presence of rheumatoid arthritis.

Risks and complications

Although wrist replacement surgery is considered safe, there are certain risks and complications associated with any type of surgical procedure. Some of the risks and complications include:

. Instability of the wrist

. Infection

. Dislocation of the wrist

. Loosening of implants

. Damage to the nerves or blood vessels,

. Implant failure

. Fracture of the wrist bone

. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

. Failure to relieve pain.

During Wrist Joint Replacement Surgery

Treatment

. Conservative treatment

Early treatment is non-surgical and includes:

. Avoiding activities that may aggravate the symptoms,

. Immobilization of the affected wrist in a splint,

. Using NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs),

. Steroid injections into the wrist joint and

. Performing specific wrist exercises.

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. Surgical Procedure

If non-surgical treatments are ineffective in relieving symptoms wrist replacement surgery may be considered.

Wrist replacement surgery may help retain or recover wrist movements. It may also improve the ability to perform daily living activities, especially if there is arthritis in the elbow and shoulder. During any total joint replacement, the worn-out ends of the bones are removed and replaced by an artificial joint (prosthesis).

In some cases, fusing the bones of the wrist together will reduce or eliminate pain and improve grip strength. However, if the bones are fused together, the wrist will not be able to bend.

Implants

There are several different types of implants. Most have two components, one for each side of the joint. These components are made of metal. A high-quality plastic, called polyethylene, is used as a spacer between the two metal components. Newer implant designs try to replicate the anatomy of the wrist.

One component is inserted into the radius of the forearm. The portion of this component that faces into the wrist joint has a curve that fits a second component placed on the wrist side. The component that inserts into the hand bone (the carpal component) has a flat surface that faces the first component. It inserts into a carpal bone through one long stem and one or two shorter stems. A plastic spacer fits between the components in the joint area. Spacers come in different sizes so they can match the hand. A spacer is normally flat on one side and rounded on the other. This design enables it to fit into the carpal component while it rocks on the radial component, creating a more natural wrist motion.

During Procedure

Wrist joint replacement can be done as an outpatient procedure, unlike a hip or knee replacement. Wrist replacement surgery is often combined with other procedures to correct deformities or disorders in the tendons, nerves, and small joints of the fingers, and thumb.

An incision is made on the back of the wrist. The damaged ends of the lower arm bones are removed and the first row of carpal bones may also be removed. The radial component of the prosthesis is inserted into the center of the radius bone on the outside of the lower arm. It is held in place with bone cement.

Depending on the component design, the carpal component is then inserted into the center hand bone (third metacarpal) or screwed into the remaining row of carpal bones. Bone cement may be used to hold the component in place. The carpal bones may be linked or fused together to better secure this component.

An appropriately sized spacer is used between the metal components.

After Wrist Joint Replacement Surgery

Recovery

A cast will need to be worn for the first several weeks. When the cast is removed, a protective splint will be needed for the next 6 to 8 weeks. Although pain relief is immediate, gradual exercises will need to be done for several weeks to restore movement and, eventually, to increase power and endurance. Wrist arthroplasty can improve motion to about 50% of normal.

Elevating the wrist on a pillow above heart level while sleeping or sitting will help reduce swelling and discomfort. Physical therapy will also be advised to restore movement to the wrist joint.

The physical demands that are placed on the wrist prosthesis will have an effect on how long the implant lasts. There will be some limitations. Use of a hammer or pneumatic tools may need to be avoided. The amount of weight lifted will need to be limited. A fall on the outstretched hand may break the prosthesis, just as it might fracture a normal wrist, so activities that could result in a fall, such as roller sports, should be avoided.

Although there have been significant advances in wrist prostheses, implants may loosen or fail, due to wear or deformation. In these cases, additional surgery may be necessary.

Don'ts after Wrist Replacement

. Do not lift more than 2 pound on a regular basis

. Do not lift more than 10 pounds on occasional basis

. Avoid placing your arm in extreme positions

. Avoid impact loading- hammering, weight bearing

Results

On average, a wrist replacement can be expected to last 10 to 15 years with careful use. As with all implants, long-term follow up is advised. Generally, follow up every year or every 2 years will identify any developing conditions or problems. Certain activities that could put extra stress on the new joint or may result in a fall on outstretched hands should be avoided after a wrist replacement.

10 common questions about Wrist bone Removal Surgery

1How long does it take to recover from wrist surgery?

If the surgery was performed on your dominant hand, you can expect a recovery time of about four weeks. For the non-dominant hand the recovery time is generally shorter

2How long does it take to recover from thumb joint surgery?

Three to 4 weeks after the procedure, the cast is removed and active range-of-motion therapy begins. Strengthening begins around 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients return to most activities by 3 months after surgery. Full recovery of normal activities may require up to 6 months

3Does breaking a bone cause arthritis?

Posttraumatic arthritis can develop after an injury to the foot or ankle. Dislocations and fractures—particularly those that damage the joint surface—are the most common injuries that lead to posttraumatic arthritis. Like osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis causes the cartilage between the joints to wear away.

4Do metal plates and screws need to be removed?

Orthopaedic hardware (plates, screws, nails and other pieces of metal or implants) can be removed because the patient finds the hardware painful or irritating. ... In these cases, the hardware may not be entirely removed or larger incisions will be made. After the hardware is removed, there is often a hole in the bone.

5Can I drive with a broken wrist?

Yes and no, as there are no specific laws around driving with a broken arm or wrist, but you could get pulled over if your driving is affected by your injury. ... Additionally, if your doctor gives you advice not to drive while you have a broken limb, then you cannot legally get behind the wheel

6Do wrist fractures need surgery?

There are cases though when a wrist fracture needs surgery. ... Fracture location – If cartilage in the wrist can not be lined up properly to heal well in a cast, physicians may have to do surgery to ensure full recovery of motion in the wrist.

7Is there surgery for wrist tendonitis?

During a wrist tendonitis surgery, the wrist surgeon will make an incision near the affected tendons. Any scar tissue will be removed, allowing for the tendons to have greater mobility. If the ends of the tendons are damaged, the surgeon will make sutures as needed.

8What is wrist surgery?

Wrist arthroscopy is a surgery that allows a doctor to see the inside of a joint. It is performed after a patient sustains an injury such as a fall or a twisting of the wrist and is experiencing pain, clicks or swelling.

9How long does a Trapeziectomy operation take?

Trapeziectomy usually takes 60-90 minutes to complete. You will have a bandage or plaster cast on your hand

10What is Trapeziectomy surgery?

Trapeziectomy. The trapezium is a small bone in your wrist at the base of your thumb which is commonly affected by arthritis. A trapeziectomy is the removal of this bone. Recovery. Two weeks after surgery your plaster can be removed and replaced with a thermoplastic splint.

Wrist Joint Replacement