POST SCAPHOIDECTOMY & 4 CORNER FUSION

[OurTigger]

POST OP PAIN..
Anyone got any advice on how to manage pain post scaphoidectomy & 4 corner fusion. I had my surgery 26/09/12... movement and power very limited, which I have accepted and I am working on, however the pain continues, and doesnt seem to ease.... How long should I expect to suffer...and any suggestions on what I can do to alleviate it.. I am going demented...any advice or suggestions would be very much appreciated..

[OurTigger]

Thank you so much for your response.
I am now 4 months post op. I have had a few consultations with my surgeon and already had 2 injections of anaesthetic and steroid which to be fair did help, but wear off quickly.
I am having to regularily take analgesics to allow me to function in everyday life.
I am presently attending rehab sessions weekly to try and improve my movement and strength... My movement has platoed, and is poor, I will have to come to accept that it is likely to be as good as it will ever be. I am working on building up my grip strength which is at the moment about a fifth of my other hand..
I realise that complete recovery can be up to one year... And I am hoping that improvement continues, But in all honesty at this exact moment in time I regret the surgery,...As my reason for it was to take away the pain, and that definitely hasnt happened and I now have the further problems of restrictive movement and loss of strength.. both of which I was prepared for but the pain I was not..
So to sumerise, from my experience I would definitely NOT recommend having this operation..
Take care my friend and if you could think of any other advice I would welcome it.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. Continued post OP pain could result from continued inflammation, neuro-muscular causes, degeneration, tendonitis, bursitis, inappropriate healing etc. If the pain is mild, one could assume it to be due to inflammation and try taking OTC NSAIDS for a few weeks to be followed by physiotherapy to improve muscle strength and movement. If this does not seem to help, you may consider a review with your treating orthopedician to rule out potential secondary causes and for appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!