Delayed Surgery for Wrist Fracture: Can Recovery Still Be Achieved? - Orthopedics

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I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly challenging, and I can understand how frustrating it must be to deal with the limitations in your wrist function after such a significant injury.
From what you've described, you sustained a distal radius fracture with an associated ulnar dislocation, which can be quite complex. The fact that you initially sought treatment through traditional methods for three months before undergoing surgery may have contributed to the complications you're experiencing now. When fractures heal in a misaligned position, it can lead to deformities and functional limitations, which seems to be the case with your wrist.

After surgery, the goal is to restore normal anatomy and function. However, if the wrist is not healing properly or if there are complications such as stiffness or scar tissue formation, recovery can be more difficult. The limited range of motion you're experiencing, especially with wrist flexion and forearm supination (palm-up position), is not uncommon after such injuries, particularly if there was a delay in surgical intervention.

Here are some considerations and potential steps you can take moving forward:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured rehabilitation program with a physical therapist who specializes in hand and wrist injuries is crucial. They can provide you with exercises tailored to improve your range of motion, strength, and function. Techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises can be very beneficial.

2. Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can help you with functional activities and may provide adaptive techniques or tools to assist you in daily tasks. They can also work on fine motor skills that may be affected by your injury.

3. Surgical Options: If conservative measures do not yield satisfactory results, you might want to discuss the possibility of further surgical intervention with your orthopedic surgeon. This could include procedures to release scar tissue, correct any malalignment, or even joint fusion in severe cases. It's essential to have a thorough discussion about the risks and benefits of any additional surgeries.

4. Pain Management: If you're experiencing pain, it's important to address this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend medications, injections, or other modalities to help manage your discomfort.

5. Patience and Persistence: Recovery from wrist fractures, especially with complications, can take time. It's important to remain patient and committed to your rehabilitation program. Progress may be slow, but with consistent effort, improvements can often be made.

6. Second Opinion: If you feel uncertain about your current treatment plan or the prognosis, seeking a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist, particularly one who focuses on hand and wrist injuries, may provide you with additional insights or options.

In conclusion, while your situation is undoubtedly challenging, there is still hope for recovery. Engaging in a comprehensive rehabilitation program and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers will be key to maximizing your wrist function and overall quality of life. Remember, every small improvement counts, and with dedication, you may regain more function than you currently anticipate.