The wrist is one of the joints most prone to pathologies. Although there are more serious cases than others, it is essential to have trauma specialists to be able to intervene on this part of the body in time, start treatment on time and recover it. In this post we will tell you everything about wrist arthrodesis: what it is, how it originates and how it is performed. Continue reading…
What is wrist arthrodesis?
If you wonder What does wrist arthrodesis consist of?, you should know that this is a surgical intervention that basically consists of fixing two bone pieces to anchor the joint.
It is performed under general or regional anesthesia and Its purpose is to remove the mobile articular surfaces of some bones of this link between the forearm and the hand to fuse the joints artificially. Arthrodesis can be partial or total.
Partial carpal arthrodesis, that is, from the first row of bones of the wrist, are an alternative to treat rheumatic, degenerative or post-traumatic arthropathies. Arthropathy is any disease in the joints that can lead to their progressive destruction. This surgery aims to eliminate pain symptoms and preserve the mobility of healthy joints.
For its part, Total wrist arthrodesis is usually performed through the Mannerfelt technique. This is a surgical option that is mainly implemented in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease characterized by causing pain, stiffness, inflammation and loss of joint functions.
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Request a medical evaluationThe treatment method devised by Mannerfelt and Malmstem, published in 1971, consists of a basic, painless operation in which the intercarpal and radiocarpal joints are fused in order to preserve pronosupination mobility (rotation of the arm).
Why is wrist arthrodesis performed?
There are five main reasons why a wrist arthrodesis is recommended:
- Wear on the joint
- Osteoarthritis
- Accident
- Malformation
- Degenerative illness
When is wrist arthrodesis surgery needed?
Wrist arthrodesis, also colloquially called wrist fusion, must be performed when confirmed by a specialist. Among the main causes of wrist arthrodesis are the inability or difficulties to move the hand and/or arm, severe pain in the region and congenital malformations.
The intervention is done with the aim of relieving pain in the worn part of the wrist joint and, at the same time, maintaining movement in the parts of the wrist that are not affected.
Before considering an arthrodesis, other alternatives such as pain medications, activity modification, splints or wrist braces, and/or steroid injections should be tried. In this way, many patients manage to control their symptoms without requiring surgery.
Specialists in arthroscopy-assisted wrist arthrodesis
The arthroscopic wrist surgery It is performed using a camera and very small surgical instruments through which the internal tissues in the wrist joints are examined and repaired.
This procedure allows the operation to be performed without having to make large cuts in the skin or tissue. In turn, this allows the patient to experience less pain and recover more quickly compared to open surgery.
In general terms, The operation performed by a surgeon consists of 4 stages:
- Through a small incision, the arthroscope (camera) is introduced, which projects an image on a monitor in the operating room.
- All tissues are inspected: cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones.
- Any damaged tissue is repaired or removed. In this part, the person who intervenes must make new incisions to be able to introduce the operating instruments.
- The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with dressings.
It is worth mentioning that the previously mentioned Mannerfelt technique, despite having an origin prior to arthroscopic operations, can also be applied in this type of intervention.
Recovery time for wrist arthrodesis
The recovery time of patients operated on by wrist arthroscopy will depend on each case and each person.. As a general rule, once the surgery is performed, the patient is usually hospitalized for at least 4 days and requires a minimum of 6 weeks of rest to return to activities. It must be clear that total recovery of the wrist usually lasts between 3 and 4 months.
Among the advantages of wrist arthroscopy compared to open surgery, it can be stated that incisions leave minor scars (which leads to less pain during recovery), the hospital stay is usually shorter, and in addition, the patient's recovery is faster, so they can return to their daily activities more quickly.
At the same time, the care of the patient operated on by wrist arthrodesis is very important to accompany recovery. It is important to carry out a rehabilitation program that helps relieve pain after the operation.
It is recommended to do physiotherapy sessions to recover wrist mobility. The most common exercise to work this part of the upper extremity is to carefully do push-ups. Place your arm on the table and let your hand fall outside. With the help of the other hand you can also force it a little more.
Thanks to the most innovative techniques with which the Elgeadi Clinic team, the most technologically advanced trauma clinic in Spain, patients receive numerous and effective treatments for the pathologies of their wrists. If you have any questions about your trauma health, do not hesitate to Book your appointment with the professionals at Clínica Elgeadi.
20 thoughts on “Artrodesis de muñeca: qué es, síntomas y tratamiento”
Good afternoon from Argentina, I am Matías's mother. I will tell you briefly the story of Mati. He had an accident in 2021 and as a result of his accident his wrists and hands were very stiff like claws. He already had wrist arthrodesis with Carpo surgery on his right hand and he was fixes his wrist with little mobility...my question is if there was another way to regain mobility in his hand
Hello Marcela, we should study all the tests and see the patient, with these data it is very difficult and unsafe to give a diagnosis. Have you tried visiting another doctor?
A hug and encouragement!
Good morning: is it necessary or advisable to rest before wrist arthrodesis? Thank you.
Hello Francisco,
It is always advisable to take care of yourself before any intervention. In any case, if you have to take any measure that your case indicates in particular, your doctor will let you know before performing the procedure.
Greetings.
I had surgery for osteoarthritis in my right wrist, and after 8 months I still have pain when lifting weight, they are going to do a CT scan and they do not rule out having surgery again, the pain will go away even if the wrist becomes stiffer
Hi Alicia,
It is difficult to ensure the result without knowing in detail your case and what type of surgery will be done to improve your wrist.
If you are interested in a second consultation, you can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello, I would like to know if it is possible to reverse a total wrist arthrodesis. For me, they did it unnecessarily, since the pain was bearable. I think that with other treatments it would be improved without losing mobility.
Hello jhon,
Arthrodesis is an irreversible treatment and is generally reserved for cases where more conservative treatments have already been ruled out.
Greetings
أنا 58 ت أوضح الأطباء أن لابد من عملية سمكره الرسغ لان لااحتمل الالم… ممكن ت وضيح إجراء العمليه هل يمكنني تحريك ي مدة التعافي؟ وهل لابد من عمل جبس بعد العمليه ؟
مرحباً بكم,
نحتاج إلى إجراء فحص لأننا لا نعرف تشخيصك أو نوع الجراحة التي ستخضع لها.
مع أطيب التحيات.
Good day,
I had a 4-corner arthrodesis with removal of the scaphoid. I am about to complete two months after the operation. I have started physical rehabilitation, but so far I have no flexion or extension in my wrist. My surgeon tells me that I will have mobility in it, but I feel frustrated that it is so stiff.
Hi Carlos,
It is normal to experience wrist stiffness after a four-corner fusion, especially in the early stages of recovery. Mobility gradually improves with rehabilitation, although it may be limited. Be patient and follow your therapist's instructions to optimize your results.
Greetings.
Good morning, I have visited the surgeon for pain in my right wrist and I have multiple scaphoid fractures and I have a SNAC type III wrist with 10′ extension, 15′ flexion and very limited deviations… I am going to have surgery… what does this mean? Thank you.
Hello Francisco,
Your diagnosis indicates advanced damage to the scaphoid and wrist joint, with very limited mobility. The surgery is intended to stabilize and relieve pain. Follow your surgeon's instructions to improve your recovery.
Greetings
Bonjour
J'ai une arthrodèse du poignet droit depuis 25 ans j'ai des douleurs intenses et a priori je dois me refaire opérer mon arthrodèse à cause de l'arthrose que cela a procuré. Est-ce que je risque une amputation.
Hello Pascal,
La probabilité qu'une amputation soit nécessaire lors d'une chirurgie du poignet ou d'une arthrodèse est extrêmement faible. Amputations are not envisaged in some exceptions, such as serious infections that are not treated. In the plupart of these cases, the risks associated with the chirurgie, tels que les infections ou les complications de la cicatrisation, peuvent être gérés de manière appropriée thanks to a treatment and a suivi adéquats.
It is important that you consult your doctor so that you can explain the risks and possible complications related to the chirurgie in your specific cases. If you have the information or if you prefer a second notice, please consult our specialists to evaluate your situation further in detail.
Hello, good afternoon
They want to operate on both of my wrists.
On the left they want to do a total arthrodesis and on the right a partial arthrodesis.
I would like to know what after-effects and limitations I will have and if they are disabling.
Greetings
Hello John,
Arthrodesis is a surgery that can improve stability and reduce pain, but it also involves some loss of wrist mobility. Limitations will depend on the type of surgery and your recovery. To better understand the impact it might have on your daily life, it would be advisable to have your case evaluated by a specialist who will discuss possible adjustments.
If you wish, we can schedule a consultation with our team to receive more precise guidance by calling 910 05 39 00.
Greetings.
Hello, I'm writing from Uruguay.
I went to the doctor for pain in my right wrist…
I had partial arthrodesis surgery on my right hand in August 2024, it never healed, and in April 2025 I had another operation, even with a bone graft from my hip. The pain is much greater than I had before; the movement is 10 degrees, even though they assured me that the movement after the arthrodesis would be 30 degrees upwards and 30 degrees downwards, and that the pain would disappear.
The worst thing that has happened to me and I have been left unable to do anything, I can't lift a bottle of water.
I don't know what to do or where to turn since an arthrodesis is irreversible and they never let me know.
It's the worst decision I could have made.
Thank you for your advice, which I will give my full attention to.
Hello Roberto,
Thank you for sharing your experience, and we are deeply sorry for the situation you are going through. It would be advisable for your condition to be thoroughly re-evaluated by a team specializing in hand and wrist surgery. This will analyze the imaging studies, the progress of the procedures, and assess whether there are alternatives that can help you improve function and pain control.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team so they can assess your case and help you find an effective treatment.
Greetings.