Wrist Fusion

[Patriciaray]

I am interested to hear from anyone who has had this operation, recovery time and whether it works and gives longterm pain relief

[dickfend]

Hi Patricia I had both my wrists fused nearly forty years ago now. They were in a terrible state and extremely painful. The right one was done first and shortly after I had a sort of joint put into my left wrist. This gave me a little movement of the wrist. However, after about 18 months I had to go back to see the surgeon who told me that because of the new technology of this prosthetic, it had failed and was splitting. There was no alternative and it had to come out to be replaced by fusion. The recovery time of the surgery to the wrists was about 6-8 weeks but the worst of it was that they had to take doner bone from the pelvis to implant into the wrists. This took longer to heal and meant that I had a little more effort walking for a little longer. However, I am really pleased that I had them done and they are painless. It did take a little time to get used to the fact that I couldn't bend my wrists. My experience is 40 years old and I expect the surgery and the recovery times may have changed now. I know I am glad I haven't got the pain I had all those years ago.

[juneann]

Hi Patriciaray, I was interested to read dickfend's reply as I discussed this very thing with my rheumatologist around six years ago and he was absolutely against it, as was a second rheumatologist. Mine have now naturally fused and fortunately straight, now although it was tough getting to this point I have learned to adapt and only occasionally still get some mild discomfort. My consultant has always been so supportive but he really did not recommend this and reminded me that although the pain eases you are very restricted with what you can do with your hands and wrists. I guess it's a personal choice, I have to say that there are times when my personal safety concerns me as I have such limitations with fused wrists. Wrist replacement was the thing I was considering and had all the team on standby until my next rheumatology appointment and my consultant who I trust implicitly had strong doubts, I cancelled and five years on have not yet regretted it. My left elbow is something that I may have to consider a replacement for as that is bent and really does cause a lot of pain and restricted movement, again not one of the best replacement when compared to things like hips and knees.

[1968WC]

Hello Patricia: I had a fusion of my right wrist in late August 2018. The pain did not subside for a good three months. Was unable to take NSAIDS for relief and refused opioids. Ice and heat sufficed. Getting used to the lack of motion has been a bear. At this time the intense pain experienced prior to surgery is for the most part gone. When the barometer changes, I can still predict the weather. Also, the occasional reminder that tendons do not respond well to foreign objects on your bone.