four-corner fusion of the wrist (avascular necrosis of the scaphoid)

[lerrymoe]

Hello, I have developed somehow an avascular necrosis of the scaphoid. The condition happens when the the scaphoid is broken and one of the parts is not supplied with blood and dies. The only good news is that it was not on my right hand, since I'm right handed. The doc wants now to do a partial fusion of the wrist, with excision of the scaphoid and fusing the other 4 bones on the top of the wrist to provide stability. The excision of the scaphoid is said to be the only solution with partial fution of the wrist since I have alredy developed arthritis on the concerned wrist.  

My current situation is the following: almost no extention or flexion on the wrist; all other movements intact. If I keep the hand continuously in a splint i'll have no pain, but if i take it out i'll have pain in a very short time, doing even minor tasks.

Since I am quite young (29yrs) I am wondering what should I do. I dont want to live in pain, but I also know that this surgery will probably not be the end of this story. I know about this since the beginning of the year, and since then I've also done almost no sports. Before that I did sports almost every day.

My question is: has anyone here experience with partial fusion of the wrist? (four-corner fusion). Would you recommend it? What was the outcome?

Thanks a lot in advance,

Lerry  

[pejsa]

I'm also a golfer with AVN of the scaphoid and pain every day.  I have been putting off surgery given all the disparity insuccess discussed in ther  posts here post op.  How are you now after a summer of golfing?  did you have the wires or plate?

[pejsa]

I.m also a golfer with AVN of the scaphoid and pain every day.  I have been putting off surgery given all the disparity in posts here post op.  How are you now after a summer of golfing?  did you have the wires or plate?

[dala801]

ive had wrist pain for the past 7 years. and 9 wrist surgeries. my doctor told me that my only chance is the four corner fusion. however i am 28 years old and not sure where to do it. wghat should i do?

[barb574]

Hi - I'm in my 50s and very active, and also facing a partial wrist fusion....apparently an old injury which now has degenerative arthritis....I was encouraged by you post, and am anxious to hear how your recovery is going?  Can you tell me why they did a k wire?  I am small boned with very small wrists, and this is a big concern for me.  How much pain and swelling have you had?  Anxious to hear any news, and when they expect upi to start rehab.  Barb

[barb574]

I am also facing a partial wrist fusion.....Ive been told by my surgeon that although the range of motion will be limited, the wrist will be strong and pain free and I should be able to resume sports like golf and tennis....am anxious to hear what your experience has been.....how much pain and swelling, and what is the projected recovery time?  I hear everything from 2 months to a year.  

[barb574]

Did you have a full or partial wrist fusion...I too am facing a partial fusion of my left wrist and anxious to hear how yours is going.  Did you have a k wire or spider plate?  Not sure which my surgeon will do.  I have very small wrists which is a big concern.....Anxious to hear any input