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WRIST ARTHRITIS


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The term arthritis simply refers to the condition of a joint losing its smooth cartilage surface. When this happens the two bones that make up the joint begin to contact each other. This friction and grinding causes pain, swelling, stiffness and further cartilage loss. Osteoarthritis has no special cause other than use of the joint for many years throughout life. Other types of arthritis are special inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or post-traumatic damage to the joint causing arthritis.

MEDICAL HISTORY

The symptoms usually set in slowly over time. Eventually patients complain of lost function, pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness, and sometimes deformity. The doctor will ask questions to determine whether the arthritis is post-traumatic, osteoarthritis, or a special inflammatory arthritis.

EXAMINATION

The wrist joint is tested for range of motion, stability, alignment, and any grinding during movement.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: Plain x-rays show the degree of arthritis and any bone loss or erosion that may have happened.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL WRIST JOINT ARTHROPLASTYSURGICAL PARTIAL WRIST FUSIONSURGICAL TOTAL WRIST FUSION
CONSISTS OFOral arthritis medications, cortisone joint injectionsRemoval of 3 of the arthritis bones, allowing new contact surfacesRemoval of 1 of the arthritic bones, fusion of the othersFusion of all the wrist bones
FEATURESLimited number of injections is allowedOutpatient surgery, early rehabilitationOutpatient surgery, screws hold the fused bones togetherRequires bone graft from the hip, plate and screws hold the fusion
ADVANTAGESAvoids surgeryBetter motionSome motion preserved, durable resultSolid, durable, effective for any pattern of arthritis
DISADVANTAGESOnly treats the symptoms not the underlying bone contactTemporary weakness, only effective if cartilage remains on the large central wrist bone, result may worsen over timeLimited motion, need to fuse, pain relief may not be completeNo motion, plate implanted into body

RECOVERY

Sutures are removed in the office at 2 weeks. Splints are used for protection for the first 4 weeks. After this arthroplasty patients begin outpatient rehabilitation to increase motion and strength, a process that takes several months to develop. Fusions take between 8-10 weeks to unite solidly. After this time the outpatient rehabilitation begins. All patients are expected to use the wrist for everyday activities by just after 3 months from surgery. Strength and function continue to improve gradually over time.
 
 
 
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  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
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  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
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  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
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  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
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  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
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  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
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  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
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