Broken wrist to be reset

Be_Happy

Hi

Just wondered if anyone had experienced the same problem as me and what the outcome was?

I broke my wrist 6 months ago. Was manipulated back into place and spent 6 weeks in plaster. X-rays then showed that bone had healed well, though not in 'ideal position'. Had 6 month check up recently and doctor considered continuing limits on movement and pain running up arm and recommended having the wrist reset. Seems this will involve breaking the bone and resetting it with bone graft taken from top of leg.

I'm OK with wrist being reset, but really concerned about bone graft being taken. Doctor did say that he was too busy to do OPs that weren't necessary and thought this one could make a real improvement for me.

I'm due to go into hospital at end of June (had appointment yesterday cancelled because of sudden bed shortage) and would appreciate info from anyone who has had this done eg recovery time, result, etc.

mr_rush

in many cases wrist fractures can be manipulated and then put in a plaster allowing adequate healing. sometimes this does not go according to plan (like your case) and the wrist needs to be re-manipulated. obviously as healing has already taken place it'll need to be 'broken' again.

what are your specific concerns about the bone graft?

you asked about healing - typically 6 weeks for fractures of the arms/wrists although individual cases can vary.

mr_rush

oh, and obviously manipulation in theatre when you are anaesthetised is obviously better then when you are awake and just under sedation in A&E (I assume that is what happened in your case).

Also in theatre xrays are usually taken during the procedure and the wrist can be re-manipulated if needed - allowing optimal positioning before finishing the op.

obviously no one can guarantee success but chances are higher.
Complications are rare - infection bleeding failure to heal

Be_Happy

Thanks Mr_rush

Bone was manipulated in A & E, but result was doubtful, so was admitted for day surgery next day and it was manipulated in theatre. Was warned beforehand that they might have to open wrist to set, but doctor seemed happy at time that things had gone OK. Perhaps was more complicated as I had had a very heavy fall and broken both bones in left wrist with considerable bruising to hand.

Worry about bone graft is that this could cause problems in otherwise healthy leg. Have also read on net (perhaps shouldn't have!) that bone graft wound is more painful while healing and can become infected. Have also heard that recovery time after bone resetting can be longer than recovery of original break.