A wrist operation or surgery is a specialized orthopedic procedure used to diagnose, repair, or replace the complex joint that connects your hand and forearm. Wrist surgeons use both invasive and traditional open surgical techniques to relieve chronic pain, restore mobility, and repair structural damage caused by injuries or degenerative conditions.
Have you been wondering about wrist surgery? Then you are in the right place. This informative post covers everything you need to know about wrist operations and why you might need one.
Duration of a Wrist Operation
The duration of a wrist operation may vary depending on several factors, such as the specific repair your wrist needs, the reason for surgery, the surgical approach, and the type of surgery required. Furthermore, the wrist is an easy part of the body to access and position because surgeons can reach the area they are operating on without going too deep into the body.
However, a potential downside of these surgeries is that they involve a small area with many vital tendons, nerves, and arteries, which can sometimes make the surgery more complex and take longer to complete.
Recovering From Wrist Surgery
Because wrist surgery varies in duration, recovery times also differ based on several factors, including the surgical procedures used, the specific repair performed, your overall health, and the doctor’s recommendations.
In most cases, the pain and inflammation after surgery are relatively temporary. With appropriate pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, the patient begins to recover immediately after surgery. If the wrist was protected with a brace or wrap, it might take up to 6 weeks to be ready to use the wrist again effectively.
Common Wrist Surgeries
The wrist is made up of eight bones, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that help it move and function. However, any of these parts can be broken, strained, or damaged, which requires repair. Many wrist surgeries can repair damaged parts, but wrist arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures.
Other common wrist surgeries include: open reduction of a fracture, joint replacement, injury repair, removal or excision of cysts, repair of structural damage or deformities, and wrist arthrodesis (wrist fusion). The type of surgery depends on the condition of your wrists and the specialist’s recommendations.
The Need for a Wrist Operation
Surgery is typically recommended by specialists when non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, bracing, and anti-inflammatory medications, fail to relieve wrist pain. Common conditions requiring wrist surgery include fractures, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ligament and tendon tears.
Fractures of the radius or scaphoid that are displaced, fragmented, or unstable require surgery. If the cartilage in your wrist has worn down, causing debilitating pain, you need surgery. Accidents or sports injuries can severely stretch, tear, or rupture the tissues that stabilize your wrist and fingers, requiring surgical reconstruction to regain function.
Bottom Line
If you are experiencing persistent wrist pain with reduced grip strength or a visible deformity, consult an orthopedic specialist immediately for diagnosis and effective pain relief.