Wrist Fusion

[Collywithra]

Hello Everybody

I have had RA for over twenty years now, although initially it seemed to be held in control with the use of DMARDS, including Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide and Etanercept, all of these had to be discontinued because of side effects i.e, infections and low platelets/thrombocytopenia. I was then put on Biologics Rituximab, Sarilumab, and since March 2022 Adalimumab, unfortunately the first two were stopped due to inefficacy (didn't work) and the jury is still out on the latest. Unfortunately for me an awful lot of damage has occurred, and that's not counting two knee replacements that failed within a year, followed by two revision operations to replace the failed units, all this of course was due to Osteo-Arthritis. Although I am still struggling through, and maintaining a very reasonable degree of activity I have been offered a wrist fusion to try and overcome some of the damage and pain. My question is of course, has anybody had one, and if so what are the pros and cons associated with this surgery.

Regards Colin

[TaffyBando50]

Hi Colly,I had my wrist fused about four years ago, the operation was good for me due to severe damage. I also had a big bunion type wrist lump removed.

Obviously restricts movement but can do most things.

I am right handed but have learnt to use my left hand also.

No pain in my wrist all moved elsewhere.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Neville

[Collywithra in reply to TaffyBando50]

Thanks Neville, and the rest of you guys, still trying to get my head around the procedure, I am basically right handed and the real problem wrist is on the left side although the right one is trying to compete, the left is still painful , but it is the loss of full use of my hand that really bothers me. Probably like me you have learned to adapt with the many shortcomings caused by uncontrolled RA

Regards Colin

[BoneyC]

Not had surgery to fuse wrists, they have fused on their own.

[Angjoplin in reply to BoneyC]

Snap. My right wrist has completely fused on its own.

[Briefencounter in reply to BoneyC]

Yep ! So have mine . Plus I have a large , ugly nodule on my right wrist , which becomes inflamed when I sleep on that side . Eating is also a very messy affair . Cue spaghetti ! 🤪

[sule in reply to BoneyC]

Mine, both of them, have auto fused.

[dippyd09]

I was supposed to have a wrist replacement but by the time it came round my wrist had fused spontaneously. I do have a rod in my wrist but I can manage most things. Movement is restricted but I now have no pain in my wrist which is great. I hope you find it the same. Take care xx

[Briefencounter]

As well as fused wrists my fingers have an interesting direction of their own , plus ulnar drift . I've had a TKR and a total elbow replacement. Both have been very successful functionally . The surgeon who did my elbow , very well known in his field , would love to do my hands and wrists . Unfortunately, during the TER I contracted an infection during the operation. No one's fault , we're warned of this beforehand . However , it did involve a long drawn out debridement , washout , intravenous antibiotics for a fortnight in hospital and now a lifetime on oral antibiotics . Thankfully , the elbow was saved and I have good movement . ( before it was fixed in a bent position) .

However , I'm not now so gung-ho re further operations and at the moment I'm going to put up with messy eating . I may have to invest in a bib .

[Collywithra in reply to Briefencounter]

Thanks for your response, I believe if I needed to have second thoughts this may well be the case, I know we are all warned of the possibility of infections when undergoing surgery, and obviously the more you have increases the risk that somewhere along the line your luck may run out. I have had one bad occurrence on my second knee replacement and apart from 10 days in hospital it took me a further 2-3 years (Covid & all) to get it right on my second revision which I had in February of this year. What else can I say, apart from stay away from Spaghetti Bolognese unless you are wearing a bib, Regards Colin