Wrist fusion surgery
A severely damaged wrist can be painful, stiff and a major functional problem. If reconstruction or replacement of the wrist is not possible or recommended, the wrist can be fused instead.
The wrist can be fused partially (partial wrist fusion) or totally (total wrist fusion).
In a partial wrist fusion only a selection of joints of the wrist is removed and fused using clips or screws, allowing for some movement to remain.
In a total wrist fusion, joints of the wrist are removed and made to heal to become a single body of bone. Bone from the hip is often used to provide the cement to improve healing. A metal plate and screws are used to stabilise the construct.
A fused wrist joint is stable and pain free, but does not allow for any up and down (flexion / extension) or sideways movement. In most cases, rotation of the forearm is preserved.
