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What Are Common Reasons for Wrist Surgery?
Many doctors will hold off on recommending wrist surgery unless the condition that is being treated is exceptionally painful, degenerative, or otherwise so problematic that surgery is the only option. Some conditions that may warrant wrist surgery include bone fractures, severe arthritis, ganglion cyst removal, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Each condition may be treated without the use of surgery, but the most severe cases that lead to chronic pain or immobility of the joint may require surgery to repair the damage. Most wrist surgeries are invasive and run the risk of damaging bone or soft tissue.
Fractures of any of the bones in the wrist may lead to a need for wrist surgery. A fracture occurs when a bone cracks under excess load, leading to pain and possible immobilization of the wrist. Smaller fractures, such as most stress fractures, can often be treated without surgery; a cast may be placed on the wrist to completely immobilize it while the bone heals, and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. If the fracture is severe enough, however, wrist surgery may be necessary to either reconstruct the bone or remove it entirely from the wrist.
A ganglion cyst is a mass of tissue that can grow in the wrist, leading to pain or discomfort. Removing such a cyst may not always be the best option, as the soft tissue around the cyst can be damaged during wrist surgery, and nerve damage may also occur. If, however, the cyst causes significant or chronic pain, a wrist surgery may be performed to remove the cyst entirely. Before this is attempted, a doctor will usually try other, less invasive treatments that do not require surgery. If these treatments fail and the person with the cyst is in pain, the doctor may recommend surgery.
The most severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may require wrist surgery. CTS is a condition in which the nerves of the wrist and hand are damaged or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and other unpleasant sensations. Braces are designed to treat CTS, and cortisone injections can also be used, but if these courses of action do not treat the issue, or if the condition recurs, a doctor may recommend surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves being affected. This is, again, an invasive surgery that may do more harm than good, which is why it is reserved for the most severe cases only.
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![A cross-section of a ganglion cyst, which can be removed surgically.]()
By: Morten AmundsenA cross-section of a ganglion cyst, which can be removed surgically. -
![If a broken wrist requires surgery, then a cast may be placed on the wrist to immobilize it while it heals.]()
By: saraponIf a broken wrist requires surgery, then a cast may be placed on the wrist to immobilize it while it heals. -
![Typing on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems.]()
By: StockPhotosArtTyping on a keyboard can be hard on the wrists, possibly aggravating carpal tunnel problems. -
![There are many different types of wrist surgeries, and the patient should discuss the details with his or her doctor.]()
By: Monkey BusinessThere are many different types of wrist surgeries, and the patient should discuss the details with his or her doctor. -
![Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers.]()
By: maticsandraIndividuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers. -
![Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.]()
By: psdesign1Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe. -
![Fractuures of any of the bones in the wrist may lead to a need for wrist surgery.]()
By: maska82Fractuures of any of the bones in the wrist may lead to a need for wrist surgery.
Discussion Comments
Severe, chronic arthritis is also a reason for wrist surgery. My grandmother had this type of surgery because arthritis in her wrist caused damage and she couldn't use her wrist anymore.
I'm not sure what the surgery involved exactly. But after recovery, she has been doing much better and can use her wrist and hands again. There is still some stiffness but it's much better than before.
@bluedolphin-- Yes, sometimes, surgery is required for a closed fracture as well.
When a fracture occurs, the bone can move in different directions. Fractures are given different names based on how the broken bone has moved. Treatment for a fracture involves putting the broken bone back into place and keeping it still in a cast so that it heals properly. If a bone can be re-aligned without surgery, it's called a closed reduction. If it cannot be re-aligned this way, then surgery is required.
The surgery is not necessarily very complex and difficult. It involves making an incision to reach the broken bone and re-align it. Then the surgeon may place a plate or use metal pins to keep bones in place. So whether surgery is required or not for a closed fracture depends on the type of fracture.
I understand that someone with an open fracture would need surgery for treatment. But why would someone with a closed fracture need it?
My sister called me to tell me that she broke her wrist. It's a closed fracture and she is getting surgery right away. Is this usual?
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