Non-surgical treatment

Anti-inflammatory medication, splinting, and cortisone injections.

Surgical treatment

Joint fusion or replacement could be required. Optimal solutions vary with each case. Several types of selective joint fusions exist to treat various conditions, always with the aim of stabilizing the wrist and preserving mobility.
Different types of partial wrist fusions are:

• Four corner fusion with resection of the scaphoid
• STT fusion (between scaphoid, trapezium and trapezoid)
• Capito-lunate fusion (between capitate and lunate)
• Scapho-capitate fusion (between scaphoid and capitate)
• Radio-scapho-lunate fusion (between radius, scaphoid and lunate)

We will always favour motion-preserving procedures but in very advanced stages, a formal wrist fusion becomes the only option.
Wrist arthroplasties include resection of the proximal-row carpal bones or partial joint resections (such as distal scaphoid resection to treat STT arthritis). The primary goal is to preserve mobility while reducing pain.
Arthroscopic procedures are always advancing and new implants are being developed to broaden the options of minimally invasive wrist surgery.
Theses sophisticated surgical procedures are done under regional anaesthetic and require a period of postoperative immobilization to allow bones and joints to heal.
Possible complications include pain, bone non-union, stiffness, nerve or tendon injuries and the need for further procedures.