Managing Chronic Left Wrist Dislocation: Treatment Options and Solutions

Habitual dislocation of the left wrist?

Several years ago, my left hand was caught in a machine.
At that time, there was only soft tissue injury, and no fractures were found.
Later, when I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, it was discovered that my hand was dislocated.
Since then, my left hand has developed ganglion cysts twice, and I have undergone surgery to remove them twice.
Recently, after the last surgery, I noticed that my hand is not as flexible as before, and the dislocation has become more severe.
Lifting heavy objects or maintaining an improper posture causes pain and dislocation.
I would like to know if there are any treatment options available.
The frequent dislocations at work are causing me significant inconvenience.
Would hyaluronic acid injections be helpful, or is surgery necessary? Thank you!

A Yi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/25

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Consult a physician to determine if surgical treatment is necessary.

Reply Date: 2017/04/25

More Info

Managing chronic wrist dislocation, especially after a traumatic injury, can be quite challenging. Given your history of left wrist dislocation and the subsequent complications, including the development of ganglion cysts and decreased mobility, it is essential to explore both conservative and surgical treatment options.

Understanding Your Condition
Chronic wrist dislocation can lead to instability in the joint, which may result in pain, swelling, and functional limitations. The fact that you have experienced recurrent dislocations and have undergone surgeries for ganglion cysts indicates that the underlying issue may not have been fully addressed. The wrist is a complex joint composed of multiple bones, ligaments, and tendons, and any injury can disrupt its normal mechanics.

Treatment Options
1. Conservative Management:
- Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program can help strengthen the muscles around the wrist, improve stability, and enhance range of motion. A physical therapist can design specific exercises tailored to your needs.

- Bracing: Using a wrist brace can provide support and limit excessive movement, which may help prevent further dislocations during daily activities.

- Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the wrist, such as heavy lifting or repetitive motions, can help reduce the risk of dislocation.

2. Injections:
- Corticosteroid Injections: These can help reduce inflammation and pain in the wrist joint. However, they do not address the underlying instability.

- Hyaluronic Acid Injections: While there is some evidence that hyaluronic acid can provide temporary relief for osteoarthritis, its effectiveness for chronic dislocation is less clear. It may help with lubrication but is unlikely to resolve the instability.

3. Surgical Options:
- Reconstruction Surgery: If conservative measures fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve reconstructing the ligaments that stabilize the wrist or repairing any damaged structures.

- Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive techniques can be used to visualize and treat issues within the joint, such as loose bodies or damaged ligaments.

- Fusion Surgery: In severe cases where the joint is significantly unstable, a fusion may be considered, which involves permanently joining the bones in the wrist to eliminate movement and pain.

Next Steps
1. Consultation with an Orthopedic Surgeon: Given the complexity of your condition, it is advisable to consult with an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist injuries. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of the dislocation and any associated injuries.

2. Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Work with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a combination of physical therapy, bracing, and possibly surgical intervention if conservative measures do not yield satisfactory results.

3. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments will be crucial to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Conclusion
Chronic wrist dislocation can significantly impact your daily life and work. While conservative treatments may provide some relief, surgical options may be necessary to restore function and stability to your wrist. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare providers to determine the best course of action tailored to your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Managing Chronic Wrist Pain: Non-Surgical Options and Insights

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my left wrist for over six months. Sometimes it hurts when I check the time on my watch, and I feel weak when lifting heavy objects. Initially, I consulted a doctor who took X-rays and mentioned a subluxation of the distal radioulnar...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Wearing a wrist brace to reduce the intensity and frequency of use, taking some anti-inflammatory medication, and observing for a period of time to see if there is improvement. If there is no progress, then consider undergoing surgery.

Managing Recurrent Wrist Dislocations: Expert Insights and Solutions

Hello, Director Shi. I sustained a wrist injury four years ago, resulting in a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation. Despite undergoing multiple ligament reconstruction surgeries, including autologous tendon grafting, and wearing a cast for nearly two months, I am still una...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Wearing a wrist brace can help reduce wrist movement; however, the decision regarding fusion surgery must be discussed with your attending physician, who will make an individualized assessment based on your specific condition.

Effective Treatments for Persistent Left Wrist Weakness and Pain

What is the best treatment for persistent weakness and inability to exert force in the left wrist? Thank you!

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to address your question and provide the following suggestions: 1. In reality, wrist paralysis should first identify the underlying cause, which may stem from the following points: A. Cervical nerve compression B. Pe...

Understanding Distal Radioulnar Joint Dislocation: Prognosis and Treatment Options

After previously falling off a bicycle and landing on my hand, I have experienced wrist pain that has persisted for over two weeks. An X-ray diagnosis revealed a distal radioulnar joint dislocation. The doctor recommended taking pain medication for one month, and if there is no i...

Dr. Wang Shouji reply Orthopedics
Hello: If a distal radioulnar joint dislocation remains significantly unstable after being protected and allowed to heal on its own, surgical stabilization of the joint is necessary, as it may affect the pronation and supination of the wrist. Initially, protection (using a cast o...