Scheduled for Wrist Replacement using Kinematx implant - Who has done

Posted by Sue, Volunteer Mentor @sueinmn, 3 days ago

A few years ago, I explored options for my painful, arthritic wrist, and my hand surgeon at the time offered fusion. My friend had it done, and is miserable with the loss of functionality she experienced.
After long consideration, increasing pain and loss of use, I found a highly rated Hand Surgeon who agreed that a total wrist replacement is the right "next step" for my failing wrist. He will be using the Kinematx implant, which is designed to allow maximum range of motion.
Has anyone had a wrist replacement? What were your results? Would you do it again?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

ddsack | @ddsack | 2 days ago

@sueinnm You truly are becoming a totally bionic woman! Wrist replacement must be relatively rare, so I’m glad you are keeping us informed of your steps and options before surgery, and I will be following along to hear how the procedure went and your progress in healing afterwards. Have you scheduled the surgery yet, or are you still deciding?

sueinnm | @sueinnm | 2 days ago

In reply to @ddsack "@sueinnm You truly are becoming a totally bionic woman! Wrist replacement must be relatively rare, so..." + (show)

@ddsack Oops--you replied to the wrong Sue. I'm sueinnm. You want sueinmn. Easy to confuse.

ddsack | @ddsack | 2 days ago

In reply to @sueinnm "@ddsack Oops--you replied to the wrong Sue. I'm sueinnm. You want sueinmn. Easy to confuse." + (show)

@sueinnm Ha,Ha — yes nm vs mn - miles apart! I picked wrong from the pop up list, sorry! I’m sure the right Sue will be along eventually!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 1 day ago

In reply to @ddsack "@sueinnm You truly are becoming a totally bionic woman! Wrist replacement must be relatively rare, so..." + (show)

@ddsack It is decided and scheduled for June 24th, pending insurance approval. Today reinforced my decision - I was put into a hard-shell splint - with a zipper! - to be worn except when bathing, etc - to stabilize things intil surgery.
Ugh! - trying to garden, type, even drive my car in it is not fun. To make matters worse it is white - and I am not a "girly girl" so after only 2 hours it already needs cleaning - and I was being so careful, covering with a glove, etc.
I interviewed the new Hand Therapist (my long-time one has retired) and found both she and her assistant to be someone I can work with, so one part down. Next step is to get my garden helpers lined up .

ddsack | @ddsack | 1 day ago

I can’t even imagine the complexity of a wrist replacement, with all those little bones in there. I looked up diagram pictures of the replacement fitting and I am in awe of the surgeons that do this.
I sympathize with having to wear the white splint — any chance you can dye it nice slate gray? 😉
As always, you are on top of everything, including lining up new PT already, so if anyone can sail through surgery and rehab, it will be you!