When Is Wrist Surgery Needed?
Wrist pain is a prevalent complaint that can be caused by a number of different injuries or conditions. Surgery may be recommended when conservative treatments fail. Numerous surgical procedures exist for the treatment of wrist discomfort. (7)
Release of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The surgical procedure of carpal tunnel release is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause hand and finger pain, paralysis, and tingling. In this procedure, the carpal ligament is released to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This can be accomplished by severing the ligament causing the compression. This procedure is typically conducted on the wrist, but can also be performed on the elbow.
Patients can typically return to work within a few days following a brief recovery period.
Additional surgical procedures for the treatment of wrist discomfort include:
Fingertip arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of wrist conditions.
A small incision is made in the epidermis and a camera is inserted into the joint during wrist arthroscopy. This permits the surgeon to examine the interior of the joint and determine the source of the discomfort. Surgical repairs can be conducted if necessary using small instruments inserted through additional incisions.
Numerous forms of wrist pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and ligament tears, respond well to wrist arthroscopy. Typically, the procedure is performed as an outpatient, and patients can return home the same day.
Hand fusion
A wrist fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses together two or more wrist bones. This technique is used to treat conditions that produce wrist pain and inflammation. Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis may necessitate a wrist fusion.
The operation is carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon will cut the epidermis over the affected wrist joint. Using fasteners, plates, or rods, the bones are then joined together. Once the bones are fused, they will no longer be able to move independently. This can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
The majority of individuals who undergo wrist fusion will experience symptomatic improvement. It may take several months for the joint to recover completely and for you to regain full mobility.
Transfer of tendon at the wrist
This procedure is performed to enhance wrist mobility and function by relocating one of the tendons in the wrist to a new location.
During this outdoor procedure, the patient is awake and will be asked to move their wrist in various orientations by the surgeon. This will aid the surgeon in determining which tendon requires transfer. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the epidermis over the tendon. The surgeon will sever and attach the tendon to another tendon. This new tendon will be affixed to a wrist-area bone. The incision is then stitched closed.
Fingertip trigger discharge
Trigger finger release surgery is used to treat wrist pain induced by a trigger finger. The term trigger finger refers to a bent digit that cannot be straightened. You cannot rectify the situation on your own.
This operation is performed to repair the tendon in your hand that is causing the trigger finger condition. The procedure involves creating a small incision in the palm of the hand and then severing the painful tendon. After cutting the tendon, it will be reattached to the bone using tiny sutures.
Fracture operations
Fracture surgery for wrist pain is a common surgical procedure used to treat wrist injuries. The surgery is performed to repair fractures or fractured wrist bones. It can also be used to treat wrist injuries such as ligament fractures. A surgeon performs the operation, which typically necessitates an overnight hospital stay. Depending on the individual, the recovery period can range from six to eight weeks.
Tendonitis operation
If you are experiencing discomfort in your wrist, you may have tendonitis. This condition may be treated surgically. The surgery is minimally invasive, and recovery time is typically brief. Within a few weeks of the surgery, you might be able to resume your normal activities.
