Mr Prash Jesudason MB, ChB, MSc., FRCSEd (Trauma & Orth), Dip. Hand Surg (Br)
Wrist fracture surgery
Fractures of the distal end of the radius, are one of the commonest injuries seen by orthopaedic surgeons. Whilst many can be managed simply in a cast, displaced or unstable fractures generally obtain a better result with surgery. This can involve internal fixation with a plate, or with external wires or a frame. The majority of this type of surgery is performed within acute NHS hospitals, however I do accept private referrals for potential fracture fixation.
Some patients get poor outcomes after distal radius fractures, with ongoing stiffness and pain. Whilst this is often a reflection of the severity of the fracture, sometimes there are other causes, such as unrecognised injuries to nerves, other bones, wrist ligaments or the triangular fibro-cartilagenous complex (TFCC), a ligament complex that guides forearm rotation at the wrist joint. If the distal radius heals in a grossly abnormal position it can cause on going pain and limitation of movement, especially in yonger high demand patients.
On going symptoms persisting after a wrist fracture has healed should be assessed for associated injuries and complications, as many of these problems are potentially treatable.
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