What is the most common wrist surgery?

Common wrist surgeries include:
  • Carpal tunnel release. This surgery cuts the transverse carpal ligament, increasing the size of the tunnel through which the median nerve travels. …
  • Fracture care. …
  • Ligament repair. …
  • Ligament reconstruction. …
  • Fusion.

What kind of wrist injury requires surgery?

When a wrist is broken, surgery may be needed to put the bones back in position so they heal well. Distal radius fracture and scaphoid fracture are two common types of wrist fractures that need surgery.

What is wrist tendon surgery called?

De Quervain’s (say “duh-kair-VAZ”) tendon release is surgery to reduce pressure on a tendon that runs along the side of the wrist near the thumb. The doctor made a cut, called an incision, in the skin on the side of your wrist near the base of your thumb.

How long is recovery from wrist surgery?

A Few Weeks of Rest

Depending on the type of wrist surgery you get done, your recovery can be anywhere from 4 – 12 weeks. Most patients are able to heal in about a month and can begin rehabilitation soon after. During the healing period, you should wear appropriate casts or braces as directed by your surgeon.

Is wrist surgery risky?

Risks of this wrist surgery can include but are not limited to: Infection. Damage to nerves, tendons or cartilage. Stiffness or loss of joint motion.

How do I know if I need wrist surgery?

For example, untreated bone fractures can cause loss of function or deformity. Likewise, you may want to consult an orthopedic specialist if you are experiencing swelling, numbness, decreased mobility, or increased pain in the wrist, hand or forearm.

How long do I need to wear a sling after wrist surgery?

Your doctor may instruct you on the proper care and cleaning of the surgical site. You might also have a splint or cast to keep your wrist immobilized, which you may need to wear for 4-6 weeks. A doctor may prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery to help alleviate any discomfort you might have.

How painful is wrist surgery?

It is not uncommon for patients to get concerned about how long the pain will last after wrist surgery. As a general rule, most patients have dull pain for about two months post-surgery with minor occurrences of severe pain happening with an accidental movement or overextension.

What can you not do after wrist surgery?

Do not do any weight-lifting or strengthening exercises without talking with your surgeon or occupational therapist. Most patients will be able to perform most activities of daily living at about 6 weeks but with residual stiffness, with recovery of about 50% of their normal wrist motion.

When does a sprained wrist Need surgery?

Grade 3 sprains may require surgery for ligament repair. If the ligament is torn, it needs to be reconnected. If the ligament injury caused a wrist bone fracture severe enough to dislodge bone fragments, surgery may be needed in this case as well.

Do I need surgery for wrist pain?

Nonsurgical treatment and wrist surgery

In mild cases, it might only take some rest, medications, use of braces, and physical therapy to help you feel better. Some wrist conditions, such as those causing chronic wrist pain as well as more serious wrist injuries, may require surgical treatment.

Does a sprained wrist require surgery?

A sprained wrist is usually treated without surgery. Ice and a splint or gentle wrap may be helpful for the first few days after a wrist sprain. Treatment typically involves resting the injured wrist and wearing a splint as needed until symptoms improve, which may take up to 6 weeks.

Can I use my hand after wrist surgery?

Leave your dressing and underlying splint on. We will remove this at your post-op appointment. Use your hand to do some nominal writing and typing. Elevate your hand and wrist as much as possible for 48 hours after surgery.

How long does a wrist surgery take?

The entire procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the severity of the fracture, and is performed under either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia with sedation. In most cases, ORIF wrist surgery is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day.

What are the complications of wrist surgery?

Possible complications include:
  • wrist and hand stiffness.
  • pin tract infection.
  • nerve injury.
  • settling / loss of reduction.
  • re-operation.

How long do I need to wear a sling after wrist surgery?

Your doctor may instruct you on the proper care and cleaning of the surgical site. You might also have a splint or cast to keep your wrist immobilized, which you may need to wear for 4-6 weeks. A doctor may prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery to help alleviate any discomfort you might have.

What can you not do after wrist surgery?

Do not do any weight-lifting or strengthening exercises without talking with your surgeon or occupational therapist. Most patients will be able to perform most activities of daily living at about 6 weeks but with residual stiffness, with recovery of about 50% of their normal wrist motion.