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Removal of metal from wrist

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Mr Kemble Wang has recommended that the metalware (most commonly plates and screws) removed from your wrist. Not all hardware in the wrist requires removal. There are a number of reasons however, why sometimes this is recommended, and Mr Wang will discuss with you the pros and cons of proceeding with metalware removal. 

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In general, reasons for removing hardware from the wrist include: 

  • the hardware is prominent, causing you discomfort or limiting your motion

  • the hardware may be irritating tendons or nerves in your wrist

  • the hardware may need to be removed because other future procedures are planned for your wrist

  • the hardware may have migrated and protruded into a joint where it shouldn't be. 

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The following is an example of an x-ray where the previous hardware (inserted by another surgeon) is no longer in the right spot and no longer doing its job. 

wrist hardware removal

Surgical Treatment:​

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  • Most commonly, Kemble will re-use the previous incisions that are already on your wrist to remove the hardware.

  • The procedure is most commonly a day-case, and you should be able to go home on the same day. 

  • Kemble will sometimes combine this procedure with other procedures, such as a wrist arthroscopy to assess the damage in the wrist joint, and tendon debridement if there are suspected tendon damage

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Post-operative Management

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  • It is normal to have some tingling, numbness or weakness following your procedure. This is often due to a nerve block performed preoperatively to help with your pain, or with postoperatively injected local anaesthesia. This will wear off in the first day or two.

  • It is very important post-operatively that you works with your therapist immediately in trying to regain motion. In most situations, the joint will need to start moving immediately post-operatively.

  • Please keep your dressing/bandage dry. You may use a plastic bag tied above the elbow to prevent the dressing/wound from getting wet during shower/bathing

  • You may remove the outer bandage after 3 days. there will still be dressing on underneath.

  • Around 2 weeks following surgery, you should have your wound checked. 

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Recovery

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  • After the wound has been checked, and if this has all healed well, then you may leave the wound open and allow it to get it wet in showers/swimming pools etc

  • Usually, there is no weightbearing or movement restrictions following pure metalware removal surgery. However, sports should be avoided for the first 2 weeks. 

  • Depending on what other damage that may be present in the wrist, recovery will be different for every individual. Kemble will guide you through this accordingly.

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What to look out for

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  • Continued drainage from the wounds that does not stop after 1 week

  • Suddenly deterioration in pain when previously pain has been improving

  • If any of the above is noted, please contact Dr Kemble Wang's team. 

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