Joint Replacement Surgery
What is joint replacement surgery?
Once all non-surgical measures have been exhausted for hand and wrist arthritis, a joint replacement may be indicated. Only half of the ulna head is involved in the joint itself. The other half has ligaments and tendons attached that are vital for joint stability. During a joint replacement, only the worn half of the head is replaced, leaving the ligaments and tendons to assist with wrist function.
How does joint replacement surgery work?
An 8cm incision is made in the back of the wrist and the soft tissues are carefully preserved. A stem is inserted into the shaft of the bone which fixes it in place. The soft tissue is repaired over the top and the skin is closed with a dissolving stitch. A dressing is placed over the wound to keep it clean and dry.
Joint replacement surgery recovery
A local anaesthetic will be injected into the wrist to numb the area. After 2-6 hours, the wrist will become painful and regular pain relief will be required. The hand must be elevated to reduce swelling and bleeding, both of which will prolong recovery. The fingers should be mobilised to prevent stiffness.
2-7 days following surgery, the dressing will be replaced with a light weight splint. It is important to keep the wound dry for the first 2 weeks. After this the wound will heal and you will be able to get it wet at this stage.
The splint must be worn for 6 weeks, as the wrist needs to remain in a stable position while the soft tissues heal. The hand should not be turned downwards (pronation) for 6 weeks. If it is pronated too early, the ulna head replacement may become unstable.
After surgery, when can I return to driving?
You will be able to return to driving after 6 weeks.
When can I get back to work?
You are able to return to light duties, including office work that can be completed using one hand, as soon as you feel able.
If both hands are required, you should wait 6-8 weeks before returning to work. Manual workers should wait 12 weeks before returning to work.
It will take 6 months for the wrist to heal completely.
Heavy duties such as hammering movements are not advised, to protect the implant from loosening and/or future dislocation.
The One Team Specialists
Anthony Hearnden
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon FRCS (Tr&Orth), Shoulder, Elbow, Hand and Wrist
