When Do You Need Wrist Surgery?
Wrist pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of injuries or conditions. When conservative treatments fail, surgery may be recommended. There are many surgical procedures that can be performed to treat wrist pain. (7)
Carpal tunnel release
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a surgical procedure that is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that results from compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. It is a procedure that involves releasing the carpal ligament to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This can be done by cutting the ligament that is causing the compression. This surgery is most commonly performed on the wrist, but it can also be performed on the elbow.
Recovery time is usually short and patients can usually return to work within a few days.
Other surgical procedures that can be performed to treat wrist pain include:
Wrist arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of wrist problems.
During wrist arthroscopy, a small incision is made in the skin and a tiny camera is inserted into the joint. This allows the surgeon to see inside the joint and identify the cause of the pain. If necessary, surgical repairs can be performed using small instruments that are inserted through additional incisions.
Wrist arthroscopy is an effective treatment for many types of wrist pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and ligament tears. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can usually return home the same day.
Wrist fusion
A wrist fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more bones in the wrist together. This procedure is used to treat conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the wrist. Conditions that may require a wrist fusion include carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the affected wrist joint. The bones are then joined together using screws, plates, or rods. Once the bones are fused together, they will no longer move independently of each other. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Most people who have a wrist fusion will experience some improvement in their symptoms. It may take several months for the joint to fully heal and for you to regain full range of motion.
Wrist tendon transfer
This procedure is used to relocate one of the tendons in the wrist to a new location in order to improve movement and function of the wrist.
During this out-door procedure, the patient is awake and the surgeon will ask the patient to move their wrist in different directions. This will help the surgeon identify which tendon needs to be transferred. A small incision is then made in the skin over the tendon. The surgeon will cut the tendon and attach it to another tendon. This new tendon will be attached to a bone near the wrist. The wound is then closed with stitches.
Trigger finger release
Trigger finger release surgery is a type of surgery that is used to treat wrist pain caused by a trigger finger. Trigger finger means that your finger gets stuck in a bent position. You cannot straighten it out by yourself.
This surgery is done to fix the tendon in your hand that is causing the trigger finger problem. It is done by making a small incision in the palm of the hand and then cutting the tendon that is causing the pain. Once the tendon has been cut, it will be reattached to the bone using small stitches.
Fracture surgery
Fracture surgery for wrist pain is a common procedure that is used to treat injuries to the wrist. The surgery is used to repair fractures or broken bones in the wrist. It can also be used to fix other damage to the wrist, such as ligament tears. The surgery is performed by a surgeon and typically requires an overnight hospital stay. Recovery time vary depending on the individual, but typically ranges from six to eight weeks.
Tendonitis surgery
If you are experiencing wrist pain, you may be suffering from tendonitis. This condition can be treated through surgery. The surgery is minimally invasive and typically has a short recovery time. You may be able to return to your normal activities within a few weeks of the surgery.