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Wrist Surgery
Mr Sam Gidwani, a highly reputable wrist surgeon in London, specialises in treating a range of wrist conditions with personalised care and advanced techniques.
Why Choose Mr Gidwani for Your Wrist Surgery?
Sam Gidwani is the senior orthopaedic hand surgeon at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals. He has years of experience of treating wrist conditions.
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Expertise and Experience
Mr. Gidwani is a highly qualified orthopaedic hand surgeon with a subspecialist practice in wrist surgery. He has treated numerous patients with wrist injuries, chronic pain, and complex conditions, bringing years of expertise to every case. His deep understanding of wrist anatomy and function allows him to offer effective surgical solutions for a wide variety of conditions. Not all conditions require surgery, and he also works closely with a team of experienced hand therapists and radiologists.
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Personalised Care
Each patient is different and Mr. Gidwani believes in providing care that’s tailored to your specific needs. Whether you have a sports injury, a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, or a wrist or scaphoid fracture, he will develop a treatment plan that is suited to your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
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Advanced Surgical Techniques
Mr. Gidwani stays up to date with the latest evidence-based techniques, which promote healing, minimize scarring, and optimize recovery.
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Compassionate and Supportive Care
From your initial consultation to post-surgery recovery, Mr. Gidwani provides compassionate care at every step. He understands that surgery can be a daunting experience, and ensures that his patients are fully informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their journey.
Common Wrist Conditions Treated with Surgery
Wrist surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments, such as rest, medication, injection treatment or physiotherapy, are no longer effective. Some of the common conditions treated by Mr Gidwani include:
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Wrist Fractures and Scaphoid Fractures
Fractures of the wrist and scaphoid bone are common injuries, particularly from falls, accidents, or sports-related incidents. Displaced fractures may require surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilise the wrist for proper healing. Mr. Gidwani uses the latest techniques, including the use of plates and screws, to ensure a quick recovery and restoration of function.
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Arthritis
Arthritis in the wrist can cause significant pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Wrist arthritis surgery, including wrist denervation, wrist joint replacement or wrist fusion, may be required in severe cases to alleviate pain and improve function.
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Tendinitis/Tenosynovitis/Tendon snapping
A number of tendons crossing the wrist can become inflamed or thickened, leading to pain and weakness of the wrist. If non-operative modalities of treatment fail to alleviate the symptoms, there can be a role for tendon release surgery. The Extensor Carpi Ulnaris tendon sits in a subsheath over the ulnar side of the wrist which can be injured, leading to a painful snapping sensation as the wrist is rotated. In such cases it can be helpful to reconstruct the subsheath to restore the tendon’s stability.
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Ligament Injuries
Wrist ligament injuries can result from trauma or repetitive use. If the ligaments are torn or severely damaged, ligament repair or reconstruction surgery may be necessary to reduce pain and restore wrist stability and function. The management of these injuries can be assisted with the use of specialist technique of wrist arthroscopy.
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Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can develop on the wrist, causing pain and discomfort. It is often possible to treat ganglions with ultrasound-guided aspiration and steroid injection. If this is unsuccessful, surgery to remove the cyst can restore mobility and relieve pain.
Types of Wrist Surgery Procedures
There are several types of wrist surgeries that Mr. Gidwani performs, depending on the condition and the severity of the issue. The list below is not exhaustive:
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Wrist Fracture Surgery
In cases of severe wrist fractures and scaphoid fractures, surgery may be required to realign the bones and stabilise them using plates and screws, specialised “headless screws”, or wires. In some cases, the fixation needs to be supplemented with the use of bone graft.
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Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that involves using small incisions and a camera (arthroscope) to diagnose and treat various wrist conditions. This procedure is often used to clarify the diagnosis of problems such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or early-stage arthritis.
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Wrist Denervation Surgery
Wrist denervation is a useful initial technique for patients with wrist arthritis. It has the advantage of being relatively straightforward with a low risk profile and does not reduce the patient’s range of wrist movement. However, it is not effective in all cases.
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Wrist Fusion Surgery
Wrist fusion is often recommended for patients with advanced arthritis or severe joint damage. Depending on the pattern of arthritis, either a partial or total wrist fusion can be utilised. The procedure involves fusing some or all of the bones in the wrist together to eliminate pain; wrist motion however will either be partially reduced or abolished. This surgery can significantly improve quality of life for those with debilitating wrist pain.
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Wrist Replacement Surgery
For patients who prefer to maintain wrist movement, total wrist replacement is an option. Mr. Gidwani uses the Motec wrist replacement, which involves removing one row of carpal bones from the wrist, and inserting a stemmed ball-and-socket joint. This is a complex operation but the results of this surgery have improved over the last two decades.
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Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
If the ligaments in the wrist are torn or damaged, Mr. Gidwani may perform ligament repair or reconstruction surgery to restore the stability and function of the wrist joint. The treatment of these injuries can be complex, especially in cases of delayed reconstruction. A good outcome from surgery will lead to the recovery of approximately 75% of the patient’s previous grip strength and range of motion.
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Ganglion Cyst Removal
For ganglion cysts causing discomfort or limited mobility, which have not responded to aspiration and steroid injection, Mr. Gidwani offers excision of the ganglion cyst. If there is significant associated pain, it can be helpful to combine this with excision of the nearby posterior interosseous nerve.
What to Expect During Wrist Surgery
If wrist surgery is recommended, here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
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Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Mr. Gidwani will conduct a thorough examination, including a review of your medical history and may arrange diagnostic tests (e.g. X-rays, MRI or CT scans). Based on your diagnosis, he will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach.
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Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before your surgery, Mr. Gidwani will provide you with specific instructions to ensure that you’re fully prepared. This may include stopping certain medications, fasting for a specific time, and arranging an escort for after the procedure.
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The Surgery
Wrist surgery is generally performed under either regional or general anaesthesia, depending on the procedure. Where possible, Mr. Gidwani will use techniques to ensure that the surgery is minimally invasive, promoting quicker recovery and less discomfort.
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Post-Operative Care
After your surgery, you’ll be monitored in the recovery room. Mr. Gidwani will provide instructions for wound care, pain management, and how to manage your wrist during the healing process. You may need to wear a cast or splint to protect your wrist as it heals.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery process after wrist surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Generally, you can expect the following:
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Immediate Aftercare
Immediately after surgery, you’ll need to rest and elevate your wrist to reduce swelling. A sling will be provided, along with instructions to maintain mobility of your shoulder, elbow and fingers. Painkillers will be prescribed to keep you comfortable during the initial recovery phase.
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Recovery Time
The time it takes to recover from wrist surgery depends on the procedure performed. Minor surgeries may take several weeks for full recovery, while more complex surgeries may require several months.
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Rehabilitation
Hand therapy plays a critical role in recovery. Once the initial healing has occurred, rehabilitation exercises will be prescribed to help restore strength, flexibility, and movement in your wrist.
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Returning to Normal Activities
You’ll be advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities until your wrist has fully healed. Mr. Gidwani will provide a timeline for when it’s safe to return to work or sports, based on the progress of your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does wrist surgery cost in London?
The cost of wrist surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. After your consultation, Mr. Gidwani’s team will provide a personalised cost estimate.
Is wrist surgery painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after wrist surgery, which can be managed with pain medication. Mr. Gidwani will ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the recovery process.
How long does it take to recover from wrist surgery?
Recovery times vary, but most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks. For more complex surgeries, full recovery may take several months.
Will I be able to drive after wrist surgery?
It is important to avoid driving while your wrist is in a cast or splint and while you’re taking pain medication. Mr. Gidwani will let you know when it is safe to resume driving.
How soon can I return to work after wrist surgery?
For desk jobs, you may be able to return after a few weeks. For more physically demanding jobs, you will need to wait until you’ve fully recovered.
Book a consultation
If you are experiencing pain or other troublesome symptoms, get in touch to arrange an appointment with Mr Gidwani.