Dr. Samuel Scott of Portland, Maine rebuilt my left wrist last Thursday. Doctor Scott called it "4 corner fusion". I call it by a bunch of shorter names, like "oww", "YOW", "DAMN", "crap", "Ooooo", "umph", and "sheeee-it". My wrist throbs under a few layers of bandages, while I struggle to type at a pace no faster than a typical a CEO.
The procedure involved removing the cashew sized scaphoid bone (labeled "A" in the diagram) using expensive bone-crunching pliers called rongeurs.
After the scaphoid was removed, the remaining bones were stabilized by fusing the Lunate, Triquetrum, Capitate, and Hamate bones together. (labeled B, C, G and H respectively). This fusion (also known as arthrodesis) takes a while. But once it's complete, I will be able to ride my bike and swim without annoying grinding and pinching.
I'll let you know how it goes.
My husband is possibly going to have to have some what of the same surgery...how are you doing?? We have been dealing with wrist issues for almost 2 years now...can you tell me how you feel about everything you've been through and if you would do something different. Thanks
Posted by: gin | January 30, 2008 at 04:36 PM
so how did the 4 corner fusion go? I am looking at having that procedure or possibly a proximal row carpectomy or hopefully a wrist reconstruction but the latter is not likely. Just trying to find some feedback.
Posted by: bobby | September 02, 2008 at 04:59 PM
How's the wrist? just had a proximal row carpectomy and having problems with crunching, clicking, and unfortunately, concentration.
Posted by: Tenny | September 02, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I had one on my left wrist in 2004 and it has been GREAT!!! I can pick up my kids, ride my bike, I can even play the guitar again - all pain free!
Posted by: Sue | October 03, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I had my left wrist fusion in December 2007 using the hub and it has been amazing. I have no pain and great not to hear all the bits of bone grating like they did. i do not notice the slight loss of movement and live life to the full with 9 lively grandchildren. Not bad at 65. Full marks to Mr. Mark Pickford at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. UK
Posted by: Chris Howland | January 19, 2009 at 02:43 PM
I had 4 corner wrist fusion on Feb 6th of this yr my Dr used bone from my pelvis and put 4 pins in. This was a last resort as I have had 3 other surgeries with no result. I am 4 months out and on my 4th cast as my wrist is not healing. I am still scheduled to have the pins removed June 1st. I came accross your blog as I was researching complications. How are you now? How much use do you have? Do you still have pain? I have a million other questions. I was injured at work n Nov 07, and still have shoulder surgery to go. I am tired, scared and frustrated. I would love to hear how yours turned out, good or bad. Thanks for listening.
Posted by: Diana Morton | May 22, 2009 at 10:26 AM
UPDATE
(2 years later...)
--------------------
My wrist is doing much better.
I broke my wrist about 15 years ago, it never really healed right, and then after 10 years of mountain biking, my wrist was pretty painful. I was unable to ride a bike, and unable to carry things with it, or put weight on it. Actually, I wasn't even able to swim due to pain.
Now I am able to ride a bike (road bikes only), carry things, and do most normal things. I still struggle to twist-open things like doorknobs and jars - I am not sure what that's about.
If you are younger than me (I am 49) I would expect that your wrist would heal better than mine - of course, I don't know that for sure. Also, I didn't do any physical therapy - and I am sure that would have helped to make my wrist stronger. I still might do it - if I can find the time!
The bottom line for me; my wrist doesn't hurt as much, and I can definitely do things that I wasn't able to do before the surgery.
-Barry
Posted by: Barry Spencer | May 28, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Im about to have the same thing dun to my right wrist in 2 days and would like to know what tn expect like recovery time pain and outcome any addvice would help im a bit nervice thanks
Posted by: Scott | August 11, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Anyone knows a service that allows me to add a live signature to my blog? Seen it at other sites and wonder how it's done...
Posted by: Dyedayviabake | November 25, 2009 at 01:05 AM
I too need the four corner fusion. I have the same worries. I am concerned about recovery time. How much time off from work. I do alot of physical work, lifting and such. Can someone tell me how long before normal activity. tnx Jeri
Posted by: jmelone | February 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM