Description
The treatment prescribed for hand and wrist arthritis depends on a variety of factors. Non-operative treatment options for arthritis of the wrist and hand include splinting, medication, and injections. If the prescribed non-operative treatment options fail to provide relief, then surgery is generally considered. There are a variety of surgical options however, the option chosen should be one that has a good chance of providing long-term pain relief and a return to good function.
Hand and wrist joint reconstruction
Unlike knee and hip replacements, joint replacements in the wrist and hand made out of metal and plastic are not always good answers for the treatment of the arthritic hand. The more reliable procedures are those in which bones are removed or fused. While limiting some mobility, these procedures have great outcomes in relieving pain and restoring function. Your surgeon will discuss which option is best for you.
Goal:
To provide long-term symptom relief and improve the patient’s quality of life, specifically pain relief and maintain wrist and hand range of motion and function.
Who qualifies? Patient who have not had relief from prescribed non-operative treatments. This patient presents with severe arthritis but does not need their wrist to meet heavy daily demands.
- Outcomes/Recovery:
- Recovery can be optimized with hand therapy by restoring hand motion and strength
- Case or postoperative splint will be worn for 6-8 weeks
- Length of recovery varies per person and depends on the extent of surgery
- On average, patients resume normal activities after 3 months.
Pros
Arthroplasty provides patients with immediate pain relief.
Wrist motion can improve to about 50% of normal with the implant technique
Fusion can greatly reduce and even eliminate pain while increasing grip strength
Cons
Implants may loosen or fail over time.
Modifications such as limiting use of certain tools or heavy lifting will need to be made to ensure the life of the implant.
Motion is significantly limited with the fusion and bone removal techniques
Activities that have a higher fall risk (roller sports) should be avoided as the prosthesis can break.
*On average, wrist implants are expected to last 10-15 years.
