Pain in the hand and wrist may have many causes, including injuries and health conditions. Some of these injuries and conditions, when diagnosed early, may not need invasive surgery. However, this isn’t always possible. There are circumstances when wrist surgery is necessary to help bring you relief and restore your mobility.

Here are some common wrist surgeries.

Carpal Tunnel Release

This surgery addresses carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition develops when the median nerve, the major nerve running along the middle of the arm into the hand, is squeezed or compressed for long periods of time, leading to its inflammation. Carpal tunnel syndrome may develop due to a fracture or sprain that has left permanent damage to the median nerve or carpal tunnel or due to overuse of the hand and wrist through repetitive motions.

During surgery, the surgeon will employ ways to increase the size of the carpal tunnel, so the median nerve is not compressed within it.

Wrist Fusion

This procedure is also referred to as arthrodesis. It involves fusing the bones in the affected joint to promote stability and relieve pain. A wrist fusion surgery is performed through an incision in the back of the wrist. Cartilage will be removed and misaligned bones will be aligned, if necessary. A bone graft will be inserted to fuse together affected bones. A special metal fusion plate will be placed over the carpal bones, radius, and metacarpal bone of the middle finger. This will help keep the bones stabilized while they fuse.

Your wrist will be in a cast for about six weeks until the bones fuse. You may need hand therapy after surgery, so you can learn how to mobilize your wrist again. This surgery is often required for conditions like wrist deformities and damage caused by trauma or tumors.

Wrist Joint Replacement

This surgery is also called wrist arthroplasty. Conditions like arthritis can cause joints to become so damaged they cannot repair without surgery. In such situations, the damaged parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial pieces. A wrist joint replacement does just that. The damaged tissues in the wrist’s joints are removed and artificial pieces are inserted in their place. Eventually, the artificial pieces will take on the duties of the tissue they replace, so you can enjoy mobility without pain symptoms.

Similar to wrist fusion, you will need a cast after wrist joint replacement, and your doctor will likely advise you to undergo hand therapy.

Trapeziectomy

This procedure involves removing the trapezium, a bone in the wrist situated below the base of the thumb. Trapeziectomy is commonly performed on patients with severe arthritis in the joint at the base of the thumb. Removal of the trapezium can help alleviate the pain symptoms.

Wrist Surgeon in the Chicago North-West Suburbs

Neglecting to address wrist and hand pain often leads to the need of more complicated and extensive treatments. This is why it’s best to consult with a doctor and get a proper diagnosis as soon as you begin to feel symptoms in your hand or wrist.

Dr. Michele Y. Yoon is a skilled hand specialist who is known for treating a variety of conditions and injuries through non-surgical and surgical treatments. Examples of conditions she commonly treats are arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, hand fractures, and hand trauma.

Call our office today at (847) 957-4183 or request an appointment online today.