The wrist is a complex joint that bridges the hand to the forearm. It is actually a collection of multiple bones and joints. The bones comprising the wrist include the distal ends of the radius and ulna, 8 carpal bones, and the proximal portions of the 5 metacarpal bones. The first step in stopping wrist pain is to correctly diagnose the cause of the problem. Dr HS Pretorius understands there are a wide range of wrist conditions that factor into your discomfort, whether it’s related to disease or injury.
ORTHOPAEDIC WRIST PROCEDURES
More complex wrist procedures may be needed when the wrist has suffered damage such as:
• Broken bones
• Torn ligaments
• Ripped tendons
• Injured nerves.
Wrist Arthroscopic Surgery can be used to diagnose and treat a number of conditions of the wrist:
• Including chronic wrist pain
• Wrist fractures
• Ganglion cysts
• Ligament tears
DO YOU HAVE A PAINFUL WRIST?
Recommended wrist procedures may include:
• Surgical fusion
• Joint reconstruction with tendon graft
• Stabilization with metal implants
• Ligament surgery
• Tendon transfer
• Minimally invasive wrist arthroscopy
In wrist ARTHROPLASTY, damaged wrist bones are replaced with artificial prosthesis made of metal or plastic components.
Unlike fusion, wrist arthroplasty allows the wrist to move.
FIND RELIEF FOR YOUR ARTHRITIC WRIST
There is no cure for arthritis in all its various forms!
Before performing surgery, procedures to relieve arthritic wrist pain may include:
• Activity changes
• Splints
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections.
If these treatments fail, Dr HS Pretorius may recommend surgical solutions, such as:
• Proximal row carpectomy to remove three carpal bones
• Partial wrist fusion
• Total wrist fusion (carpal bones and radius)
• Total wrist joint replacement (arthroplasty)
