External fixator on broken wrist - any info?

Be_Happy

Hi, I've just come out of hospital after op to reset wrist fracture last year which didn't heal in correct position. Been getting cancellations for several months due to bed shortages. They've put a frame on the outside of my wrist.

Looks frightening, hurts like hell and would seem to be a strong source for getting in infections through metal pins. Have been assured that everything will be fine!!!

Has anyone had experience of these 'external fixators'? How did you cope with finding clothes which would fit over frame? How do they remove the fitting?

red-chilli

I haven't got personal experience of an external fixator but a friend of mine has just had one for 8 weeks (has had it removed for a few weeks now).

As far as clothes go he cut the cuffs off sweaters so he had a loose baggy sleeve that didn't get caught up in the frame.

He didn't get any infections either, you just have to keep an eye on where the pins go in, the Docs told him that if that area got red, itchy, smelly etc then to get it looked at right away.

As for how they take it out...with something that resembles an electric screwdriver. He said it didn't hurt...just felt weird!

Hope some of that helps!

Be_Happy

Thanks. You're making me feel much more positive. A good idea about cutting cuffs off. I'll now go through wardrobe looking for clothes that I can do without later, so also gives me the drive to clean out.

Thanks again for help.

lauric

no personal experience of one, but in my profession we deal with lots of injuries like this, you should rest assured that the infection rate with these is minute. the chances of catching an infection are very very small.

and like the previous post, cut cuffs off clothing, or it not, perhaps wear short sleeved tshirts / vest tops which the arm can be easilt slipped thgouh, with a shurg over the top?

the weather has ben nice enough lately not to need too much in the way of jackets anyway!!!

hope this helps
x

Essex-girl_2

Had my wrist pinned earlier this year.

Didnt have an infection but the skin did go manky around the pins. When they were removed it wasnt painful more a strange feeling. Do have scars though.

Be_Happy

Getting more used to this now and it is certainly much more flexible than the cast I had on for the original break. Was very worried by 'seepage', looked like heavy bleeding to me, but district nurse who is coming in every second day to change dressings says this is normal when pins are used and could last for a fortnight - looks bad, but is nothing to worry about.

Am able to type reasonable well with two hands just now, something I could never have done in early days of cast, so very impressed with this system. If it manages to correct the bone position I'll be over the moon.

Thanks for info.

Be_Happy

Just a quick update for anyone else in same position.

Had fixator removed on Tuesday. Took about 10 minutes and didn't hurt at all. Did feel pressure on arm while doctor worked with screwdriver, but no pain and 2 nurses distracted me with chat while it was going on - no pain killers necessary.

Only worry now is strange feeling in wrist and forearm - feels as if I have a very tight plaster cast on gripping wrist and arm. Didn't get an x-ray, so don't know how things are inside wrist. Pessimist in me says that bones have fused together, optimist says it is muscles suffering from lack of use and will improve with time. Anyway, no pain, just strange feeling, so I can live with it. Have very good hand movement and good wrist movement, so am pleased with this. Scars are healing well, so no problems there.

Due to go back for check up in 5 weeks and told I'll get x-ray then, so I'll just have to wait and see.