Wrist Replacement Surgery

Wrist Replacement is a type or Joint Replacement Surgery, less common then others (knee and hip replacements). This operation is usually performed when all other treatment options for repairing the patient's wrist activity have failed.

The wrist replacement surgery is performed when there is irreversible damage on the wrist joint from different types of infections, usually a type of arhritisA group of over 100 forms of conditions involving damage to the different joints of the body (Source: Wikipedia). This can be caused by Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, the main types of arthritis that cause damage to the joints.

Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage covering the bones to stiffen, which leads to the cartilage wearing away, leaving the tendons and ligament to stretch and cause pain and eventually the bones grind against each other. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory infection that causes the joints to swell and the feeling of pain.

Traditionally, these diseases will be treated by anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy or plain exercise. However, when all of these fail to treat the patient's pain and symptoms and the injury keeps affecting everyday life functioning, the patient will undergo joint replacement surgery.

Wrist Replacement Surgery

In a wrist replacement surgery, the worn out ends of the bones are removed and replaced by artificial joints. The purpose of this operation is to restore wrist motion and activity in order to once again function normally on a daily basis.

At the start of the operation, an incision is made in the back of the wrist. Once the surgeon has the access, he will begin to move tendons out of the way to reach the joint. At this point, the surgeon will begin to remove the damaged ends of the lower arm bones and may also remove a portion of the carpal bones.

The bones of the hand, including the radius boneOne of the two large bones of the forearm, extending from the lateral side of the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist (Source: Wikipedia)., are prepared for the artificial joint implantation by forming holes in them that are supposed to hold the implant in place. The implant is then inserted into place and once the surgeon makes sure there is a proper range of motion and correct movement, the surgeon will use bone cement to hold the component in place. When this is done, the incision is sewn up.

Wrist Replacement Recovery

The patient will remain in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, mainly to be monitored and make sure there is no swelling and that no infection develops. The stiches will be removed 10-14 days after the surgery and when the wound has healed, the hand will be put into a cast for several weeks.

The patient will also begin working with a physical therapist. The exercise will gradually strengthen your arm movements and bring to maximum post-surgery results. Total recovery from a wrist replacement surgery generally takes three to six months.

Wrist Replacement Surgery Abroad

There are many medical tourism destinations you can undergo wrist replacement surgery. We here at TicketMed understand you want to receive the best treatment available and achieve maximum results. This is why we work with top orthopedic surgeons around the globe and have all the information you will need about this surgery.

We will be happy to assist you in any way possible when inquiring about this procedure. Simply contact us or ask for a quote.