A wrist plate is a medical device used in surgery to stabilize broken wrist bones and hold them in the correct position while they heal.
Explanation of Wrist Plates
When a wrist fracture is severe, involving multiple breaks or a bone piercing the skin, surgical intervention is often necessary. The goal of this surgery is to realign the broken bone fragments and maintain their alignment until they heal completely. A wrist plate serves this purpose.
Here's a breakdown:
- Function: The plate acts as an internal splint, providing rigid support to the fractured bones.
- Material: Wrist plates are typically made of biocompatible materials such as titanium or stainless steel. These materials are strong, durable, and less likely to cause an adverse reaction in the body.
- Application: During surgery, the surgeon makes an incision near the wrist, realigns the broken bone fragments, and then attaches the plate to the bones using screws. The plate sits on the surface of the bone, holding the fragments in place.
- Purpose: The plate ensures proper alignment and stability, promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of malunion (bones healing in the wrong position).
- Other fixation methods: Besides plates, surgeons may also use screws, pins, or wires to stabilize wrist fractures. The choice of fixation method depends on the type and severity of the fracture.
When are Wrist Plates Used?
Wrist plates are commonly used in cases of:
- Complex wrist fractures: Fractures involving multiple bone fragments.
- Displaced fractures: Fractures where the bone fragments are significantly out of alignment.
- Open fractures: Fractures where the bone has broken through the skin.
- Unstable fractures: Fractures that are likely to shift out of alignment during healing.
What to Expect After Surgery
After wrist plate surgery, patients can typically expect:
- Immobilization: A splint or cast to protect the wrist during the initial healing phase.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the wrist.
- Follow-up appointments: To monitor healing and address any complications.
- Possible plate removal: In some cases, the wrist plate may be removed after the fracture has healed, although this is not always necessary.
