Is wrist surgery risky?

As with any surgery there is a risk of complications. These risks are small but include: the risk of residual weakness/ reduced function. the risk of bleeding.

How long does wrist surgery usually 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.

How successful is wrist surgery?

Discussion Total wrist replacement maintains itself and provides good pain relief and functional motion in over 80% of all cases and in 97% of resurfacing implants. Better results were correlated with improved distal component fixation and minimal resection of the distal radius.

How painful is wrist surgery?

You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain.

How long does wrist surgery take to recover?

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.

Learning About a Broken Wrist and Understanding the Recovery

Do they put you to sleep for wrist surgery?

In most hospitals, surgery on the hand and wrist is usually performed using regional anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Patients must undergo preoperative tests, fast starting the night before, and spend an hour or more in a recovery room.

What happens 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 do I prepare for wrist surgery?

How much pain will I be in after 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 should I 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.

Is hand surgery serious?

What are the risks of hand surgery? Most surgery carries the risks of anesthesia and bleeding. Additional risks associated with surgery depend greatly on the type of surgery being performed and may include: Infection.

What is the most common wrist surgery?

Can you run after wrist surgery?

The wrist and arm should be functional for most activity by 8 to 10 weeks after surgery. After about 3 to 6 months, most patients can resume heavier wrist or arm activity and sports.

How long do you stay in hospital after wrist surgery?

The type of surgery you have had will affect your length of stay, but it would be expected that you will be able to go home within 24 – 48 hours of your operation unless further treatment is required.

How wrist surgery is done?

Your doctor will make one or two small half-inch incisions, known as portals, on the back of your wrist. The portals are placed in specific locations on the wrist, depending on the areas that need to be visualized. The arthroscope and special surgical instruments are inserted into your wrist through these portals.

How long after wrist surgery can I move my fingers?

For some people, it can take between six and twelve months for you to be able to use your hand as normal. Pain and swelling are normal symptoms after surgery.

How should you sleep after wrist surgery?

The best way to do this comfortably is to lie flat on your back with your hand resting on a few pillows. Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery.

Why can't I make a fist after hand surgery?

A bad injury or major surgery will make your hand stiff. It usually takes about 6 months to really loosen up scar tissue. Do NOT expect your hand to be "normal" after a bad injury or major surgery.

How long is recovery from plate and screws in wrist?

The fragments of bone are lined up, and a metal plate and screws are used to hold things in place. The metal plate and screws allow people to start using the wrist earlier. Motion and light use of the wrist are started ~2 weeks after surgery. Once the bone has healed (~6 weeks), more vigorous activities are allowed.

How do you shower after wrist surgery?

Before you shower, wrap your operated arm or hand in plastic (such as a plastic bag) to protect the area. Remove the plastic wrap after your shower. Keep the dressing on until it is taken off by your surgeon or the stitches have been removed. This is usually 10 days after your surgery.

What should you not do before wrist surgery?

Discontinue use of aspirin and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, naproxen, Aleve) 10 days before your planned surgery. These medications may cause increased bleeding during the operation or postoperative period.

What should I wear after wrist surgery?

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, button down shirts, sweat pants/warm ups or baggy shorts that will fit over bandages or dressing following surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from wrist surgery?

How long does a nerve block last after wrist surgery?

Nerve blocks for shoulder, arm and hand surgery can be made to last up to 24 hours. The nerve block may be part of your general anaesthetic to give you pain relief after your operation. Some operations can be done under nerve blocks alone. Sedation can be given with this to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.

How do they do a nerve block for wrist surgery?

The anesthesiologist inserts a fine needle into the surgery site and injects pain medication in an effort to bathe (but not touch) the nerves. Then, when the surgeon makes the incision, the nerves will be too numb to do their usual work of alerting the brain about the pain, which means you won't feel it.