Dealing with Painful Bone Growth in the Wrist: Is Surgery Necessary?

On Thursday, I went to the hospital for an ultrasound on my right wrist. The orthopedic doctor said that a small bone is protruding, which may cause sharp pain?

Due to the situation described, I have been experiencing severe pain after drawing several AutoCAD diagrams using 3D Max.
After three to five days of visiting a traditional Chinese medicine clinic for massage therapy, I discovered that a small bone had grown as a result of a car accident.
I broke three front teeth, sustained bruises on both legs, and lost a piece of skin on my left knee.
The right side is covered with a mesh bandage and has hardened but has healed.
However, a small bone has developed on my right radius, and I now eat with my left hand using a spoon.
Should I consider surgery to remove that bone?

Lan Hua Xiang Huan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/25

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Surgery is not necessary; rehabilitation and medication treatment can usually lead to improvement.

Reply Date: 2016/09/25

More Info

Dealing with painful bone growth in the wrist, especially after an injury, can be quite challenging. It sounds like you have experienced significant trauma, and the development of a bony prominence or extra bone growth (often referred to as a bone spur or exostosis) can occur as a response to injury. This can lead to pain and discomfort, particularly when using the affected limb for daily activities, such as eating.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that bone growth in response to injury is a natural healing process. However, when this growth becomes excessive or leads to pain, it may require further evaluation. The pain you are experiencing, especially when using your wrist, could be due to several factors, including inflammation, pressure on surrounding tissues, or even nerve irritation.

In your case, since you mentioned that the pain is significant enough to affect your daily activities, it would be advisable to consult with an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess the extent of the bone growth and its impact on surrounding structures.

Regarding the question of whether surgery is necessary, it largely depends on the severity of your symptoms and the impact on your quality of life. Here are some considerations:
1. Conservative Management: Before jumping to surgery, many physicians recommend conservative treatments. This can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Sometimes, splinting or bracing the wrist can help alleviate symptoms by immobilizing the area and allowing it to heal.

2. Surgical Intervention: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief and the bone growth continues to cause significant pain or functional impairment, surgery may be considered. The surgical procedure would typically involve removing the excess bone growth and possibly addressing any other underlying issues, such as impingement on nerves or tendons. The goal of surgery would be to relieve pain and restore function to your wrist.

3. Recovery and Rehabilitation: If surgery is performed, rehabilitation will be crucial for a successful recovery. This may involve physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the wrist. It’s important to follow your surgeon's recommendations closely during the recovery process.

4. Long-term Outlook: The long-term outlook after surgery can vary based on individual circumstances, including the extent of the bone growth and any associated injuries. Many patients experience significant relief from pain and improved function after surgical intervention.

In conclusion, while surgery may be necessary if conservative treatments do not alleviate your symptoms, it is essential to have a detailed discussion with your orthopedic surgeon. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation, including the nature of the bone growth and its impact on your wrist function. Remember, addressing pain and restoring function is the primary goal, and there are various pathways to achieve this.

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