MTB post wrist fusion

[Conna]

Commented on another thread but, everyone only reeds the first post.

I need some help/advise PLEASE!

 

I broke my scaphoid almost exactly 6 years ago. At first I didn't think much of it and only got it diagnosed a few months later. Had surgery and a compression screw fitted to get it fixed and, at first, all looked well. I was told it is not healing quickly but, signs look good. Also, the stiffness and slight pain I was experiencing is normal for someone who had had work done to the wrist and that range of motion (ROM) would never fully return.

 

Fast forward almost 6 years: Had a laps in skill end of last year in a rock garden, otb and broke my hand (same one as the wonky wrist). X-rays diagnosed a really bad hand but also, a wrist that was not looking good. To cut a long story (with lots of time off the bike) short.

 

I've been diagnosed with:

For the doctors and googlers: avascular necrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid,

for every one else: a piece of my wrist has died.

 

The generally accepted next step is four-corner fusion. Basically a semi-fused wrist. I will have limited ROM, difficult to make the call but probably 50deg in total at best. And pain should go away.

 

So my questions:

1. Anyone on here had this procedure before and still ride? How are you doing, what are the challenges etc.

2. Have anyone on here had any alternative treatment to the one described above, pros, cons etc.

 

No need to comment on here, you can send me a direct message if that would be better for you but, commenting on here might get the questions exposed a bit more opinions.

 

Any recommendations for specialists, rather DM me.

 

PS. I'm not a road rider (nothing against them), off-road is life, and I would really like to will still be on a mtb, maybe an e-mtb, when I'm 80.

[Mamil]

What a tough decision. Avascular necrosis was the risk for me when i brike my hip and i was relieved when i was clear of the biggest risk period.

50 degreee is not much movement, less of a problem on a road bike but i wonder how much flexing ones wrists do when on the mtb. I use those flared specialised grips so i imagine my wrists are pretty straight most of the time. They may flex a bit when moving back on the bike but how much is hard to say. My gut says you might be able to ride after surgery and a proper rehab bit then I'm a very average mamil and not a doctor so ....

Every strength to you.

[Conna]

 Thanks Mamil

 

What a tough decision. Avascular necrosis was the risk for me when i brike my hip and i was relieved when i was clear of the biggest risk period.

50 degreee is not much movement, less of a problem on a road bike but i wonder how much flexing ones wrists do when on the mtb. I use those flared specialised grips so i imagine my wrists are pretty straight most of the time. They may flex a bit when moving back on the bike but how much is hard to say. My gut says you might be able to ride after surgery and a proper rehab bit then I'm a very average mamil and not a doctor so ....

Every strength to you.

[Glenmx]

I can't comment on the necrosis. I had a wrist injury a few years back on the mx track. I'm pretty sure the doc cocked the op up and left me with about 35% rom.

 

I eventually went for a second opinion after 3 months rehab and no improvement. Had a partial fusion done that the doc said would last for quite a few years and then I would need to consider a full fusion if the pain got too bad. That was about 10 years ago.

 

So far so good. Its amazing how the body compensates and adapts. I don't feel the lack of range has inhibited any of my skills or had a negative impact on any of my activites (Mtb, Road, Enduro, Yoga etc.) yet.

 

Good luck with the op, OP. Hope all goes well.