Total wrist replacement
Arthritis of the wrist results in pain, swelling around the joint and difficulty in gripping. Patients with acute inflammation or bone spurs can experience tingling and numbness of the fingers caused by irritation of the nerves surrounding the joint (see carpal tunnel syndrome). A major cause of pain and decrease in wrist function is rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers commonly have inflammation of the finger joints as well as arthritis of the wrist.
Treatment for Wrist Arthritis
Our wrist arthritis treatments range from lifestyle modifications, splinting, heat applications, anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections that treat inflammation.
Surgery is not a typical option, but can be performed in severe cases in which other treatments do not provide relief, surgical procedures include:
In Wrist Fusion, we secure the bones of the forearm to those of the wrist and hand. The loss of motion can preclude some activities but provides predictable relief from pain. The preferred procedure is a partial wrist fusion, which allows some movement of the wrist. If all the joints of the wrist are affected, however, a total wrist fusion may be the only option.
Proximal Row Carpectomy removes three small bones from the wrist joint to diminish pain while allowing some motion. This procedure is only an option for some types of wrist arthritis.
Wrist Replacement, a procedure that replaces damaged bone with a metal and plastic implant, is used in situations in which the entire wrist is compromised by advanced arthritis. Pain relief with motion is the desired outcome. This option is best in individuals who do not undertake heavy labor or sports.
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Testimonials
I was impressed by Dr. Desai’s skills and how he treated me. My Dupuytren’s contracture had progressed. He saw me quickly, gave me several options and I chose needle aponeurotomy. About 45 minutes later I was on my way home with full range of motion in my hand. I would see
him again.
C.H.
I had lost the use of my thumb and could not write my name, get dressed, open things or do other tasks. After my surgery I had it all back, regaining full mobility of my thumb. I got excellent care. Dr. Desai and his staff are patient and considerate. He’s the best hand surgeon in this area.
S.A.
Before seeing Dr. Desai, I had terrible arthritic pain in my thumbs. I’m a nurse and I couldn’t even write or administer IVs. Pain kept me awake at night. After my arthoplasty, my pain is gone and I have full use of my thumbs. Great results, and I’m absolutely happy.
S.S.
Had basal bone arthroplasty, (trapezium removed). Recovery was exactly as predicted, almost full use of hand in less than 3 months. Dr. Desai answered my questions completely. He was very attentive to my concerns, fully explained options & what to expect.
D.W.
My husband has had 2 carpal tunnel releases, and I recently had thumb arthroplasty and ligament reconstruction, all performed by Dr Desai. Dr. Desai is a brilliant hand surgeon whom we continue to sing praises about. Dr. Desai is direct and soft spoken. I will recommend him to anyone who needs a hand surgeon.B.S.
I've worked in the medical field for the last 16 years, and when it comes to doctors, I've see the good, the bad and the ugly. I have never done a review for a doctor until now.I recently had a 4.3 x 2.3 cm lipoma removed from my right hand by Dr. Desai. Not only was the surgery a breeze, but the recovery time was a lot quicker than I thought it would be. I had virtually no pain after surgery. He did a great job suturing using a vessel loop technique that he learned from a plastic surgeon. Because of that, my incision is barely visible. On top of that, the staff and everyone involved were amazing! In my professional opinion, Dr. Desai is the best hand surgeon I know. He takes his job very seriously and yet maintains great bed-side manners that a lot of doctors lack. I would refer Dr. Desai to anyone I know. In fact, if anyone in my family needs to have hand surgery, they will be coming to VA to have it done. My family lives in MI and TN. I wouldn't let them go to anyone else. Thank you, Dr. Desai!You're the Best!
K.D.