After a slip and fall on ice wrist fracture some patients need surgery. Attorneys can collect money for medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering. Surgeons may perform screw fixation surgery when a patient has had a recent, nondisplaced scaphoid fracture. Studies have shown that this method can help people get back to activity faster than wearing a cast for up to 12 weeks. The procedure involves inserting a screw through the scaphoid holding it firmly until it heals.
Scaphoid debridement is done in cases where a nonunion has occurred despite wearing a cast and using an electrical stimulator, surgery will likely be suggested. An incision is made in the wrist directly over the scaphoid bone. The surgeon finds the old fracture line, the scar tissue between the two halves of the bone must be removed (debrided). This creates a fresh bone surface to allow healing.
A bone graft involves taking bone tissue from another spot in your wrist and inserting it into the fracture. A bone graft can stimulate healing on the surface of the bones. After the bone graft is placed between the parts of the scaphoid bone, some surgeons also insert a metal pin or screw across the bone. The goal is to hold the two pieces of bone tightly together, allowing them to fuse into one bone. When the surgery is complete, the incision is stitched closed. The arm is placed in a large bandage or a splint.
Sometimes the bones still do not heal as planned. Surgeons call a fused bone that fails to heal a pseudarthrosis, requiring a second operation. Your surgeon will probably add more bone graft and check that the pins or screws are holding the bones together.
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may be placed in a splint for up to 12 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will X-ray the wrist several times after surgery to make sure that the bones are healing properly. Once the two halves of the scaphoid bone have healed, you can safely begin a rehabilitation program. You may need physical or occupational therapy sessions for six to eight weeks after surgery. The first few treatments will focus on controlling the pain and swelling. You will work into doing exercises to help strengthen and stabilize the muscles around the wrist joint. Other exercises are used to improve fine motor control and dexterity of your hand. You’ll be given tips on ways to do your activities while avoiding extra strain on the wrist joint.
McCormick Law Office attorneys in Milwaukee, Wisconsin have successfully represented many clients in slip and fall on ice wrist fracture personal injury cases for many years. Believe in better.
