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WRIST CONTRACTURE


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Traumatic contractures of the wrist can develop after either injury or surgery. Once the limiting scar tissue is mature (usually after 3 months from the last event) no amount of therapy will be able increase motion. Wrist contractures are more difficult to treat than other contractures because the limiting tissue around the joint cannot simply be removed entirely as it can in certain other joints. Many ligaments that are critical for proper wrist function must be preserved. Wrist contractures almost always involve adhesions both within the joint and around the outside of the joint.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Patients typically complain of pain, stiffness, weakness, and loss of hand function. The doctor will ask questions to uncover all the events that led up to or contributed to the development of the contracture. Knowing how the contracture formed is the key in planning to eliminate the contracture.

EXAMINATION

Each direction of motion will be specifically measured. The degree resistance at the end of each direction's stopping point is an important clue to predicting the chances of improvement with release.

ADDITIONAL TESTS

Plain x-rays will show any underlying joint damage that might make achieving good motion more difficult.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  NON-OPERATIVE SURGICAL RELEASE
CONSISTS OF Outpatient therapy Surgically excising scar tissue from the inside and outside of the wrist joint
FEATURES Stretching exercises and splints Outpatient surgery, fiber optic camera used inside joint, limited incisions to access outside of joint
ADVANTAGES Avoids surgery Maximum correction possible, used when previous scar is mature
DISADVANTAGES Only effective early when scar tissue is immature Correction proportionate to original problem, some new scar tissue forms after surgery

RECOVERY

Patients must be very committed to their treatment to choose surgical correction of a contracture. Intense outpatient rehabilitation begins immediately after surgery. Patients must perform motion exercises every hour on the hour when awake, seven days a week. Sutures are taken out after 2 weeks in the office. Splints are used at night and sometimes during the day to preserve increases in motion. New scar tissue gradually forms and matures over about a 3-month period after surgery. When therapy is finished after the scar matures patients will have some percentage of motion that is still less than the freedom achieved on the day of surgery.
 
 
 
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  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
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  • if everybody worked like dr mark henry and his staff the us would be debt free congragulations guys i was really impressed. - 11/16/11
  • 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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  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
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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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  • 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
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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
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
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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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