PRC – An Explanation
PRC – proximal row carpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a row of small bones in the wrist. In reality, the surgeons change a complex joint in the wrist to a simple yet workable hinge. One good part about a PRC as compared to other wrist surgeries is that it has the least amount of recovery time. I have created a small video that explains the procedure as I understand it to be. There are many reasons why a PRC is performed and I am certain that everyone is unique. In my case my lunate bone had not received blood circulation for a very long time and had cracked while I was changing a spark plug on my Vespa GTV 300. There is no other option but a PRC or a complete wrist fusion. Have you had a PRC? If yes, please take 10-seconds and complete our survey so others may know the statistical outcome. (Click Here).
X-Rays:
CT Scan – 4 Months After Surgery:
Proximal Row Carpectomy - PRC 
I had Prc 8 weeks ago. Still have lots of pain and stiffness in hand and up forearm. I did golf regularly before surgery. No way I could swing a club or hit a ball at this point. I thought it would be an 8 week recovery. Went back for x-rays which Dr. said we’re good and he also said I couldn’t damage it now so I could quit wearing brace. Guess I’m a slow healer because I’m not even close to swinging a club…. went fishing yesterday and it started swelling and throbing. Ugh!!! Wish I had just left it alone. At least it only hurt when I hit the ball. Now it’s full time pain…
My doctor says give it 6 months before judging the recovery. It has been 3 months since my operation and I can see great improvements every month.
Give it time Bob. I had a PRC dec 1,2014. My surgeon said at least 6 months recovery. He was right. Still find things that I can do today that I could not do a month ago. It is a slow healing process, and I hope that eventually you will have no pain. Don’t rush Mother Nature!
How’s it doing now?
Its fine years later. There are things I cannot due well or for a long time like hammering.
I had my PRC in June of 2015. For almost a year I could barely make a fist and had a difficult time removing jar lids. I kept exercising the wrist, however, and now I have no troubles. It sure beats the painful arthritis I used to have. I can throw a baseball, arm wrestle with the kids, lift weights, screw off lids, make a tight fist and essentially do everything the normal wrist can do. I have no pain and I am so glad I had it done. I am 77 years old.
It has been 68 days since my PRC on May 26, 2015. I cannot close my fist completely yet, and it begins to be painful if I try to lift over 15 pounds with the hand where the surgery was performed on the wrist. The pointing finger is the one that seems most stiff. One of my goals is to be able to throw a football or baseball without any pain. Depending on the weight of what I am trying to throw, I am still feeling pain with the throwing motion as it requires some flicking of the wrist. As for writing and keyboarding, there is no pain. This is an improvement over what I experienced when writing and keyboarding before the surgery. My doctor says to give the process another 30 days before trying to judge how much “normality” has returned. He prefers to give an evaluation of how successful the surgery was when 6 months have gone by since the operation. I have a pectoral exercise machine that I use to keep my chest muscles tight. I am able to grasp the bars to that machine and pull with enough force to lift 150 pounds as I bring my hands together to complete the machine motion. As for lifting loose weights, I have been using a tricep bar that shares the lifting load when doing standing curls.I can load that bar with about 30 pounds to do my repetitions. I am including this information merely to demonstrate that after 3 months since surgery, one does not necessarily have to quit exercising to keep the muscles toned. So far, I am remaining optimistic to the doctor’s claim that I should regain 95%-98% of normal hand and wrist strength and motion eventually.
Today is August 1, 2015. I had a PRC on December 1, 2014. I am happy to say that I definitely made the right decision. I had bone spurs, arthritis, a ganglion cyst, and bone on bone pain. Today, the only pain I have is when I work too hard. Last weekend, ignited window trim and baseboards. It was not a challenge and there was NO PAIN . It was great.i always wonder if I can accomplish the next challenge, and I always do. The PRC has been a blessing.
I am 31 years old and I had a PRC done on my left wrist on march 31st this year. I spent the first 2 weeks after the surgery I spent in a soft cast and after the stitches came out i went into a hard cast for the next 3 weeks. After that a removeable hard splint for the next several weeks. The pain was unbarable right after the surgery but became barable in the days to come. The biggest complication after the surgery was swelling in my hand and fingers. My movement after 3 months is adequate. I measure 45º in my left wrist to 130º in my right.. my grip however is measuring only 4lbs in my left compared to 135lbs in my right. I am still currently seeing a therapist twice a week and will comment again after my next evaluation.
I had a PRC on March 31, 2015. The reason for procedure was an injury where the ligament was torn lateraly and dorsaly (excuse any mis spellings), the cartalige was stretched to 4-6 mm from the natural 2mm. On June 12, 2015 I began to develope wrist pain (level4-6 on a 1-10 scale) and loss of sensation in my pinky finger. I was in a cast from April 7, 2015 until April 28,2015. I have been attending Physical Therapy two days a week since April 28, 2015. Things were going okay until June 12, 2015 (see earlier comment). I had a scope done in June of 2014 for deburment of TFCC tear (also part of the injury) and arthritis was observed beginning to set in and progress. During the PRC proceedure the surgeon stated the Arthritis had really begun to spread and develope telling me that surgery was inevidable. The recovery results as far as sucess and pain is not expected for 6 moths from Surgery date. Just be prepared because it appears that recovery is a long process, and can have minor “bumps” in the road.
Considering a Proximal Row Carpectomy due to wrist pain. I have young onset Parkinson’s and I have wrecked my right wrist catching myself from falling over the past 10+ years. I’m concerned about my ability to play guitar (picking hand) post-op. I have trouble playing now due to the YOPD but I get by. Anyone have any input?
I had my surgery last November and was in a cast for 3 weeks. Therapy after that was so painful I was put in a cast for another 3 weeks. Most of the pain was gone after that but I did wear a brace at night for a long time. Now I am basically pain free and forget I even had the surgery. Good luck.
Was your hand stiff? I feel that if my didn’t get stiff I would have more fllixabliy and less pain.Its been three month and half.Does that seems right.
It was stiff for a bit. Therapy really helped. I think 3 1/2 months is about right. As I said I have no more pain for which I am happy!
I had this surgery on March 2, 2015. I fell and broke my wrist in June of 2015. Seems to be helping so far. I have had a huge fear of falling, since I don’t have much range of motion. Thinking if i fell and my wrist bent with it being stiff. I would injure it more. Any others with that issue, or has this happened to anyone after another fall. This was all due to a workers comp injury.
Whopos initial injury was June of 2014
I fractured my scaploid about 8 years ago in a fight and had to have a bone graft. Now I’m told that I’ve got stage two stag and a deformity in my wrist and need a prc. I go this Wednesday to see the specialist that I was referred to. I was wondering if there is anyone that knows. What I should expect in the recovery process. Cause I’ve heard 8 months to a year. Is this true? I’ve also been told that some people end up being put on disability cause of this surgery. If anyone has any answers for me I would greatly appreciate it.. Thanks
The disability thing depends largely on what you do for a living. If you chopped down trees all day it is most likely that you would not be able to return to that job. With respect to recovery, I think there are different stages of recovery. The one year mark is generally referred to as fully recovered or “as good as it gets” but there are many other stages that come months after the surgery. You can follow my recovery and highlights at the different stages (one month, two months, eight months etc…). I hope this helps.
Thanks Peter I’m just worried about the surgery. Being that I’m 33 and have a very active life with my 4 small children. I’m all ready have problems playing with them and trying to put in my garden before I have this surgery. An again thanks for the info.
I am a skateboarder who just had PRC this morning and wondering if I will be able to catch my body weight when I fall off my board once I’m back on (and I do fall a lot). Or is this the end of my skateboarding days?
HI Cory, it’s depending on the flexibilty of your wrist after surgery. I’ve broken both my wrist at the same time (doing a stunt on a mountainbike that went horribly wrong). Instead of 180 degrees lateral flex in wrist I only have 45 degrees left now. I regained all my strength and still doing olympic weightlifting, mountainbiking. Downside: I can’t do hand stands and I can now only do knuckles push ups because I can’t place my palm of my hands on the ground.
When falling the normal reflex is to extend your arms with your palms facing the ground to catch your fall. That is painful. It’s better to learn new fall techniques like that of a judo thrown.
Hi Auntally. Thanks for the response. I am glad you are doing well post surgery! I realize that the recovery from the surgery will certainly take time. As a guitarist I have built up over years of playing, a sort of looseness to my right hand. I gather that will come back after rehabbing. It is sort of hard to believe that ACL repair has been around for a long time, but there is no way to repair or replace the schaphoid lunate ligament. Thanks again!
Hello. I have been dealing with pain in my right wrist that has come and gone over the last three years. I just recently received a diagnosis of SLAC wrist with the recommendation of PRC surgery. I am a guitarist and performer, and so this diagnosis is quite loaded. What I’m most curious about from those of you who have had PRC surgery is: how does the hand function in the long run? I am a finger style guitarist and have been playing for 30 years (I am 52 years old). I am encouraged by the prospect of perhaps a pain-free wrist but I am fearful of losing facility in my hand. I live in New York City and would be interested in communicating directly with those of you who have had this procedure done here in New York. I am in the process of getting a second opinion on the diagnosis and would welcome local suggestions for surgeons. I am thankful for the existence of this site!
David, I had a PRC Dec 1,2015. Today is April 24,2015. I can use my fingers just like before surgery. I can also do some things with my thumb that I could not do before! And no pain. My wrist is still a bit stiff, but that is to be expected at this point in my recovery. Every day I find something else that I can now do that I could not do a few weeks ago. It is a slow recovery. Like my surgeon told me, you cannot rush Mother Nature! If you try, you will just make yourself sore. He is so right. My best advice, is to go ahead and get a second opinion. If a PRC is recommended, don’t put it off. Your wrist won’t get better. I live in NC, so I can’t give you local info, but this site seems to be a great way to learn. Best of luck.
I’ve had this surgery done die to degenerative arthritis and my right wrist was always in constant pain…. My surgery was 2 years ago…. After telling myself for the longest time I want going to have surgery, I gave in and had it done… what are my sentiments now…. Wish I never had it done…. I can’t really complain to much about the surgery…. Surgery was 1 1/2 hrs…. healing time is based on the individual… in my case I noticed something was wrong and different with my hand and immediately notified the dctr who had me to come in…. After examining my hand…. I seemed to have developed a condition called R.S.D…. you can look it up…. But to make it short…. My right hand is bigger than the left…. My hands goes through temperature changes, swelling from to much activity with the hand and not able to bend…. I went for physical therapy, which didn’t help and she also explained to me my hands will never have full usage and will operate 50% or less….I cannot do the things I used to do and I have been on oxycodone and gabapentin for the past 2 years…. Oxycodone is for the pain and the gabapentini take… Which is 800mg 4x a day is for the nerves that were damaged…. I may be on this medication for the rest of my life…. I am 53 now…. Have been to the pain clinic where they’ve tried several different things that were unsuccessful…. For me I became depressed….. and withdrawn ….I am however blessed, I can still used my hands just not like before and I’m grateful because some people have loss of limbs but I am constantly reminded when I’m doing something or not and the pain just shoots through my wrist…. The cold air sometimes does it also and I have to apply heat to it immediately….. So for those who must endure this surgery….. surgery is to the individual and if the benefit of the surgery out weighs any and all risks…. Thank You and good luck to you all
Michelle, I pray that your healing will come soon. I pray that your are physically, emotionally and spiritually healed. Yes, it is great to look on the upside of this ordeal, in that you still have use of your hands but, it is ok to take a moment to grieve the loss of what you used to have. Many Blessings to you, WinSoms
Hi all I had my surgery in Jan 2015, prC. Apart.from pain my wrist is slowly getting there. Currently in cast so not having to support the actual wrist. Signed off work for so far 7 weeks and have follow up appointment in 2 weeks for cast.removal and physio assessment. I am pleased to say that I can write so I’m so happy, it’s not great but it’s legible. I can pick up things I just can’t seem to pull things so guess pushing is also a no no but we are only 5 weeks.post.op so I’m happy xx
That is great news Kelly. I had mydc. Dec 1,2014. I had pain changing gears in my Subaru while still in my cast. I have been in a splint/brace for 6 weeks and go see my doctor tomorrow. I am having some aches occasionally and a lot of pain on the outer side of my wrist of I turn it the wrong way. The bad part is, I do not know what I do to make it hurt, but it sure gets my attention! My fingers are great, lots of mobility with no pain. I will post again tomorrow after my appointment. Good luck Kelly.
Hi everyone. Been awhile since I posted. Had surgery on my right wrist in July. I was very concerned because I am a guitar player. I am very happy with the result. I can definitely still play guitar. I have no pain, occasionally an ache during weather changes. I have 20% disability in that hand but I can do most everything. Yes, motion is a bit limited but I don’t notice it much. Yes, pushups are out unless you do a fist and I notice a little weakness but my quality of life is pretty good with it. The recent posts I’ve seen with people 1-2 months past surgery are experiencing what I did and its a slow recovery. It was at about 5 months to were it felt normal. I worked really hard at physical therapy and that helped a lot. The 1 thing that helped a lot was a flex bar but I wasn’t able to do that until the 3rd month. Take it easy 1st cpl of months
Gregg, how long has it been since your operation? Did you have it because you have RA?
I had a PRC and I am actually worse off than before my operation. I should have had the fusion. My problem is that I have RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and the “Doctor” was a hack with a good reputation. He paid to have the Internet search about himself to be better than his actual skill. I lost 85+ percent use of my hand and more range of motion loss than that. I am 35 and I have come to realize that I was too young for this operation given my disease. I hope it went better for who ever else reads this.
I had the surgery on my left wrist on Nov 4, 2014. I was bandaged for the first 9 days and then casted for 3 weeks. After that I had a brace for a little more than 3 weeks and started therapy. The pain was so bad I could not even squeeze a towel one day. On my next visit to the doctor he put another cast on for 3 more weeks. The pain subsided for the first time in 8 weeks. I took more pain meds those 8 weeks than I have ever taken. Now the cast is off and am about to start therapy again. Have not taken pain meds in about 3 weeks. I still have some pain.
I had my right wrist fused in Sept of 2012 and did not have this much pain after that. I hope this works as I can’t imagine having both wrists fused. I am right handed and have been able to play tennis since the fusion. I only notice that my serve has suffered since I can’t snap that wrist.
We are just starting this journey with our 15 year old son, diagnosed with stage 3A. He plays football, basketball, baseball, fishes, hunts etc. Breaks my heart thinking he may not be able to participate in sports that he enjoys so much. Or that his career choices may be limited. Have any of you considered prosthetic replacement?
His throwing motion may be a little messed up if it is with that hand but otherwise he should be able to do almost everything.
Call me if you would like to talk about it 925-451-0722
Tammy, prosthetic replacements for the wrist just aren’t very good at this point. He may still be able to get a proximal row carpectomy or four corner fusion. If not, then he should definitely still be able to get a full fusion. It’s true, none of these are ideal solutions (at all), and all will limit range of motion, but it’s important that he looks on the bright side which is that he’ll still be able to do the vast majority that he wants to do.
I am a 40 year old male & underwent a CRP on my left wrist in 2007′. I also was diagnosed with Kienbocks disease bi-laterally in both wrists. Unfortunately, my prominent wrist being my right was to far gone when diagnosed. I had to have a full wrist fusion. The reality is that anoyone that has the option of a CRP, should choose that & live with it as long as possible as technology may soon create a more durable full wrist replacement. The CRP is a fairly simple surgery. I found my left hand to be stronger than before surgery as the pain was gone. One main thing the doctors don’t warn you of is that it does complicate things slightly if you do need to have a full wrist fusion. I have lived a very active life over the last 7 years with my PRC’d left wrist. It only now is starting to cause me some discomfort, mainly because the head of my Capitate is starting to wear out, which is the bone that becomes new hinge of your wrist. I am a father of 4 active kids that coaches highschool football & works out 5 days a week. As a profession, I own a realestate development company & for years was active in many of the physical labor parts of my business even after my CRP. I strongly recommended this surgery to anyone that has constant pain in there wrist. Make sure that you use a “Hand Or Upper a extremity” specialist to preform any wrist procedure such as a PRC. Awesome website! So cool to see people coming together to share their stories to offer support of one another…. Be blessed!
Jason, my PRC is scheduled for January 22, 2015. I am very active at 50 years old and do closed fists push ups and lots of running and sports with my children. At times, my wrist aches something awefull, and then and may go several days without any pain or discomfort. Would you suggest holding out unti the pain is unbearable? Thanks and this is a Great site!
Dave, do not wait. The longer you put it off, the worse off you will be. You may be doing irreparable harm to your wrist by waiting. I am 6 weeks post op and get my hard cast off next week, Jan.13,2015. Even though I am still in a cast, I am better off than before my PRC. I am getting a splint next for several months along with tons of physical therapy.
Hi everybody thanks for the responses. I go to the doctor tomorrow for post op visit. It’s been one hell of a recovery between swelling and pain. I’m still experiencing a significant amount of pain through out my wrist along with swelling. My thumb has been the most painful pins and needles feeling since the operation. Did any of you experience this? How long after the post op was recovery and back to normal use. This Is my dominant hand so it’s been pretty rough
My hand surgeon will do my 4 corner fusion in January 7, 2015. Originally he recommeded the PRC and was happy I found this Forum and did my research and rejected the PRC.
I too am a antique car restorer, although a retired financial planner, I’ve always enjoyed doing stuff with my hands. Wrenching, racing, building and restoring cars has been my hobby for 42 years.
My new home is now done and it’s time to fix the wrist. The doctor said his buddy is an ortothopedic surgeon and does it all with a 4 corner fusion in his primary hand. That and this forum and I’m SOLD on the 4 corner fusion for a faster ands stronger recovery than the PRC. I’ll post results afterwards. Thanks for all the information on real results and real recovery.
Please keep us informed. I was offered a fusion but based on my goal of riding a motorcycle and using the throttle, they said the PRC would be a possible better solution and that if not, a fusion would be an alternative. However, my surgeon said that the recovery time for a 4-corner fusion is far longer and painful than a PRC. I was riding my Vespa 2-months after the PRC was performed. I am not certain on the recovery after a 4-corner fusion so please keep us updated. I wish you success!
I’m also getting the four corner fusion procedure myself, on Jan 6th. From my research it sounds like its often a pretty close call between the PRC and 4CF, but typically they do 4CF for patients under 35, and PRC for those older. Like Peter said, 4CF is a more difficult procedure with longer recovery time (because 4 bones have to fuse to each other, rather than just be removed), but is thought to have a bit more longevity. With that said, the 4CF vs PRC debate still seems fairly unresolved, and I did talk to one surgeon that just always does the PRC.
I’m getting my procedure done with Dr Richard A Berger at the Mayo. Fairly nervous about it, but hopeful.
I am 67 and have also put off having the PRC to finish remodeling a house. My doctor is now recommending a 2 point fusion called a Luno-Capitate Fusion instead of a four corner fusion. Has anyone had one of these or know anything about it? Doctor claims it is a shorter recovery period with more flexibility than the 4CF.
Hi Paul Thompson,
Did you ever get your Luno-Capitate Fusion completed? I have to do this same surgery pretty quick here. I would like to know if it worked for you.
Hi Paul,
Did you ever get your Luno-Capitate Fusion completed? I have to do this same surgery pretty quick here. I would like to know if it worked for you.
After you got your stitches out did you get a cast? If so for how long.. Also was therapy needed after? Thanks so much
I had a brace on after the stitches came out. I had to remove it daily to wash the hand and the area. That was difficult for the first week, especially getting the brace on and off around my thumb.
Megan, I did get a hard cast for 4 weeks after my staples (19 of them) came out. Now I am in my third week with a removable brace. I see the dr in 3 more weeks. Currently, I work on making a fist and rotating my wrist, 3 times a day. My fingers work great, but the one next to the pinky is a little droopy. It is slow rogues, but I find each week that I can do something new. This week I can open doors with a door knob and can open a child proof pill bottle! My dr says you cannot rush Mother Nature and I am seeing that he is correct.
Well it’s been a little shy of two months since my PRC. It was honestly horrible in the beginning. This is the third procedure on my wrist and the pain after the surgery was horrific. I had extreme swelling. 2 weeks post op I went and the doctor put a cast on for three weeks. I now have a removable splint that I have to wear for a month now. I started therapy and it’s been extremely painful. I constantly feel stiff and since the removal of the cast I have had numbness in my thumb (my therapist says it’s the start of carpal) as for my mobility I am working on it but still in so much pain. Is this common? Thank you all.
After reading all the horror stories about the PRC, I opted for a 4 corner fusion with removal of the scaphoid bone. I was convinced that I’d have less mobility but more strength. Dr.said one of their othrpedic surgeons had the 4 corner and operates every day.
Surgery was 3 weeks ago. Now in a splint and therapy to get my finger mobility back from the swelling. So far, so good.
4 months will tell. Keep in touch.
Lefty
I had my PRC in 2010 & went through everything you are describing. I thought “what did I get myself in to!” It was horrible. Hang in there. Keep up with the therapy. Power of positive thinking. It will get better. I have some arthritis going on but, I think I had that any way. I still do hand/wrist/finger exercises daily. Good Luck.
Hi all had my surgery last Friday the pain has been horrible since. It’s cakmed down the last couple days. Is this common? Also my fingers are extremely swollen along with numbness and discoloration did any of you experience This? When you went to your post op visit what was the next stage for recovery? Thank you all and hope to hear back
Yes just d o your best to keep it elevated and iced after 72 hours the pain should improve.
Thanks.. After you got your stitches out did you get a cast? If so for how long
Not a hard cast but a brace.
I did have therapy but it was more like a spa experience but aim sure it helped.
I had a PRC done almost two and a half months ago and let me tell you recovery is very slow. I still have very limited motion and sever pain when trying to lift something. Sometimes even grabbing a can of soda kills me especially through the thumb area. If you’re going out of work prepare to be out for a while.
Stay patient and one day u will notice most of the pain is gone.
it has been 1.5 years for my husband and still in great pain and weakness can not run cabinet shop so out of work has had a new physical therapist that has helped the thumb issue and some strength in hand but no help in the wrist department
What did the therapist do to help the thumb issue?
she gave him special exercises she made him practice making an O with his thumb there were several exercises we have them on paper i could scan you the exercises she also used ultra sound, electrical stimulus and we have parafin wax that we heat up and he warms his wrist in it first before starting the exercises
I’m 67 and had an X Ray and MRI at the local VA clinic after I complained of wrist pain. They were quick to diagnose avascular necrosis of the lunate. They had no one on staff at the VA to see me, so I was referred to an outside ortho surgeon board certified in hand surgery. I just read his report this afternoon and felt like puking. He seems to lean toward PRC. It just sounds so foreign to me; removing bones in my wrist! I restore Alfa Romeos and vintage machinist’s toolboxes. I do a lot of wrenching and screwing in this work and I’m afraid of losing mobility. The whole thing is so scary! Now I’m waiting for the VA to do another MRI on my left wrist to see if it’s headed gown the same road.
I’m glad I found this blog! Thanks, guys.
I do all the maintenance and modifications on my two BMW F700GS and Fiat Abarth. I find that the wrenching and torqueing actually helped my recovery. It seemed like after working on the bikes that my fingers and wrist would loosen up. It was a good thing.
I was diagnosed over a year ago, but can’t have the surgery because of cardiac medication. I wear a splint all of the time, except when I sleep. I may be off of the meds next Nov, but if I continue to have blockages it will be extended. I also have congestive heart failure and may not qualify for the surgery. I am retired and can do most things. It interferes most with baking, kneading dough, etc. If I use it too much or do the wrong movement, the pain is really bad. Otherwise so far it’s livable. Everyone gives me advice on carpal tunnel!
I’m 36 and in 2011 I was diagnosed with kienbocks in my right wrist and had revasculeration surgery to repair lunate bone, the bone has blood flow now but the pain has comeback and dr has decided that a PRC would be done for next step or I can do fusion. I don’t understand why im in so much pain if the bone has blood to it and pain has spread to my hand as well, anyone had this done
I am scheduled for PRC surgery next month. I am 61 years old, and I’m an avid surfer/skier/ snowboarder. I have a scapho-lunate ligament rupture, that prevents me from pushing up to a standing position, on my surfboard. I was told, by my orthopedist, that I would be able surf and do a push up, but not be able bend my wrist back more than 30 degrees, without the help of a wall, floor, surfboard, etc. For those people that have already had the surgery, are you able to do a push up, or bend your wrist so that it is perpendicular to your forearm?
Hi Chris, did you ever get an answer to your question above. I just been told I have to have the PRC or total fusion (not sure which one it’ll be yet!) procedure on my wright wrist, and like you I am keen surfer. Thanks Carolina
Carolina,
I never did get an answer. It’s been nine weeks since my surgery, and I tried to surf this weekend. I am able to paddle, with little discomfort, but I’m not ready to push up to my feet. I did attempt to go from stomach, to knees, to standing, but it was pretty painful. I was afraid of doing damage to the repaired wrist, so I gave up trying to stand. I rode a few on my stomach, but it isn’t the same thing. Hopefully in a few months, I’ll have better news to report. Right now, when I attempt to put my wrist in a push up position, I’m short 45 degrees, and it hurts. Each week I’m gaining a few more degrees, but the progress seems slow. I’m able to ride my bike daily, but surfing seems like it’s a quite a ways off. Good luck with your wrist. Let me know how it works out for you, and which surgery you ultimately choose.
Chris
Carolina,
It’s now been eight months since my surgery. In the last two weeks, I have finally noticed some improvement. I am able to ride my 6’10”, with success. Because I’m wearing a brace, I pop to my feet pretty fast, and usually without any discomfort. Occasionally I have some pain, and end up on my knees or one foot and one knee, but I can live with that. I can do a push up on a low horizontal bar or on parallel bars, but not on the ground. I’m hoping that someday I will be able to do a regular push up, without a brace. Did you end up getting surgery?
Chris
I’m just over a year post surgery and I can tell you it was NOT a short recovery. The surgeon says I have better results than expected, but still about half of the mobility I once had. I too had an old injury that I never had checked out and my surgery was a direct result of stupidity. If you have pain in your wrist (even only sometimes), get it checked out! My grip strength is still very minimal, but would probably be better if I worked it out more. I would say it took almost a full year to get to where my wrist really felt fully healed. The pain is gone, but you’ll always have that feeling of it not being quite right. I also get aches before storms.
Scott, did you have severe pain in your wrist as well as in the base of your thumb? My dr claims I will be relieved of all the aches and pains after PRC
Thanks
Hey Dave,
The pain in my wrist really wasn’t severe. It would start to ache if I used it a lot. It always seemed like it was healing and then it would end up slowly coming back. It wasn’t until the other wrist started hurting that I decided I better get them looked at. I was floored when the Dr told me how screwed up my wrists were. I was expecting mild carnal tunnel or tendonitous
I had the prc done in July on the right and will be having the left one done after that heals. So far, not sure how I feel about the surgery but the hand is feeling more “normal” daily. The best way I can described what it felt like for me was a “blob”. It felt dead but being 2 months out now, it does feel a lot better. Don’t like that I have to have these surgeries since I’m only 44 but it is what it is.
My hands were injured at work from all the stress put on them from yrs of concrete work. Dr says I will never be able to do this work again. Also will never play guitar again and am pretty bitter.
All I can say to ppl who need this surgery is that for me, it wasn’t noticed right away because I wasn’t in extreme pain except when I worked but since I tried working and ignoring the dull ache, it cost me some wrist movement. The prc is a salvage procedure and for some ppl, the longer they wait, the less movement they will have.
Glad I found this site and will keep checking back, answer any questions if I can and appreciate all the ppl sharing their experience going through the same journey
Scott, My problem also came as an after effect from an old injury, but got worse when I decided to build s a house at 67. I postponed the PRC surgery and now I’m going for the 4 point fusion instead.
Thiey say this will give me some use of my newly stiffend right wrist,, they say pain free.
Had I done the PRC a year ago I would’t have finished my house and still been on light duty for the rest of my life. Couldn’t handle that,and now will have a longer recovery period and hope I won’t regret waiting.
Ha anyone had the PRC with prior aching pain in the base of the thumb, and the pain completely gone After the PRC?
Can anyone recommend a good wrist brace? Thank you in advance.
I’ve used the FUTURO Sport Wrist support for almost two years while avoiding the PRC. It’s a wrap that adjusts to your size. It helps keep the hand bones from hitting the arm bones, which is the source of the pain. It’s a 3M product and comes in skin & black. Mine are # 46378 and I bought them in the Internet.
Paul
I too have a tough situation with my wrists. I ruptured the scapholunate ligament many years ago now, but it was misdiagnosed. Now I have arthritis in both, and as a result surgeons are telling me I only have the option of a PRC or 4CF. However, I’ve read about a Dr. Tang doing cartilage grafting in the wrist http://nyp.org/news/hospital/surgical-wrist-arthritis.html and also about a study in which rib cartilage was transplanted in the wrist with long-term success in a number of patients http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24436822. Does anyone here know more about these procedures?
Does anyone here know of a good way to find the wrist surgeons in the country? I’ve obviously tried googling, and I found some lists, but with uncertain methodology. If I do have to get one of these fairly complicated and tricky procedures done, that I’ll have to live with day-in-day-out the rest of my life, I want to try to find the best and most experienced surgeon out there. thanks
I like Dr. Keramati, orthopedic surgeon Northwest, Seattle. He is done one complicated but successful surgery on my right hand. Now we will do the second one, remove three bones from the wrist. Herd good feedbacks about him from other people too. if there is a chance that they can use bone grafting- I am sure he would let you know all detailed.
My Surgeon (See Toronto Hand Clinic on top) works with a partner in the United States and together they did a complete wrist replacement. I would call their office and ask for his USA Partner. I believe they are in the Kentucky Hand Clinic.
Thanks for the suggestions Mila and Peter!
Kienbockgroup@yahoo.com
Great site
That’s Keinbock@yahoogroup.com
Sorry
Dr. Lee Osterman at the Philadelphia Hand Center is probably the best in the country.
I don’t normally reply to many posts but I saw yours and I’m in a similar boat. I had a scapholunate ligament tear which was misdiagnosed at the time. The first op was a bone graft. Second op was loose screw removal. As a result the bone graft got reabsorbed. Op 3 was an arthroscopy to check out the arthritis. Op4 for a denervation and ligament reconstruction and op 5 was removal of some k wires. Now the denervation has failed and reconstruction has stabilised the gap so it won’t increase but it’s still big so the arthritis is worening. I’ve been told I got to wait as long as possible before the next surgical intervention but the next option is proximal row carpectomy 4cf or total wrist fusion. My suggestion to you is be weary or fixes. A prc has a shelf life of about 15 years at best but I have doubts I would last that long. Think about how important range of movement is. A 4cf doesn’t seem worth the risk when they need bone from a hip to stabilise a wrist. If it all goes wrong that two joints with problem rather than just a wrist. If you need the movement then try a prc and if it fails a fusion can be performed afterwards. But eventually it may need the fusion even if the prc is successful. Remember a surgery doesn’t always turn out to be a solution. My wrist is a mess of scar tissue arthirtis and pain even though I did every thing they said would fix my wrist. A prc does seem like a good option but remember it won’t last forever and it’ll be half the range of movement as a maximum and the strength will get affected. I have time to consider my next move but there is no way of knowing how each person will fair with such a big op. Good luck with everything.
One other thing to remember is that the PRC should last for at least ten to fifteen years and by then they may have perfected the wrist replacement. My doctor has performed a wrist replacement worth his partner in Kentucky.
I have now postponed the PRC long enough that the hand surgeon wants to do a 4 corner fusion. Says the lunate is too badly damaged. Never heard or read anything about cutting and nerves, that must be some other proceedure than a PRC.
The doctor says the fusion will eliminate the pain along woth the cart bad cartliiage. He also say the wrist will be stronger than the PRC wrist. Any thoughts on this approach?
She will also be removing the same 3 bones as described in the feed as well as cut the nerve. So I guess waiting isn’t a good either. She said that fusion is an alternative, but she usually only does that type of procedure on construction workers because they need to lift a lot of weight. I still want to have the mobility/dexterity of my wrist.
A PRC is generally a step before total fusion. When I had my PRC done my doctor told me that I would eventually need a fusion. I also had the denervation done to help with the pain. Which it did. I’m a nurse & my doctor hoped the PRC lasted until after I retired. Good days & bad days. Good luck with your situation.
I have had 10 surgeries between my two hands over the years trying to find relief to all my pain. I am bone on bone in both wrists and have severe arthritis. I have had partial fusions on both wrists 15 years ago. But I’m now back to the point I have to do something again and it’s going to be major what ever it may be. My options are PRC or full fusions. Being only 42 I am wanting to postpone losing my motion as long as possible. My doctor suggested cutting my nerves a while back to help ease the pain. It wasn’t a fix to my problem but would help living with it. I did the surgery a year and a half ago and it did make a difference. I think if you are doing a procedure that stops the progression of your arthritis and hopefully removing some of the issues having the nerve cut is worth it. If it’s the same as mine, you don’t notice it except the decrease in pain. The nerves that are cut have nothing to do with the outside of your hand. The doctor could cut it and not tell you and you would never know it except for hopefully you’re not in as much pain.
Good luck!
The first week of Aug. I’m due to have what I think to be this same surgery you had. I’m really having 2nd thoughts about having it done. My hand surgeon will also be cutting the nerve to stop the future pain & I’m very concerned about that. Did they do that when you had your surgery?
No nerve cutting on my procedure.
Thank you for your quick response. I’ve been searching for any info I can get on this type of surgery & I don’t see anywhere else where they cut the nerve. I’m hoping to get a second opinion, because cutting the nerve really isn’t sitting well with me.
I had the denervation done to help with the pain. In some aspects it has but, I still take pain medication on a daily basis. I have developed arthritis in my wrist & some of my finger joints. I find wearing a Tommie Copper hand glove while I’m working helps.
I developed Keinboch’s disease in my right dominant wrist in 2009 & had a PRC done in 2011. Being a nurse it left me unable to do CPR anymore so I had to find a desk job. I was fortunate to find a desk job but, all the typing, writing, carrying, pushing, pulling on a constant basis throughout the day leaves me in severe pain by the end of the day. All the veins will stick out my hand & wrist & won’t go down until I get home & soak my hand/wrist. Thinking I may need to go back to my hand/wrist specialist.
my husband had surgery about 10 months ago he had broke wrist 12 years ago and had graft and screw the screw started backing out and froze his wrist in pain unfortunatly his pain and use of wrist is worse than before he is in construction and uses his hands for everything and now can not work more than 3 hrs or so before wrist is useless he can only hold a glasss for about 20 seconds we are told pain is from bone on bone by two doctors and choice is live with it or fuse it. we do not want to fuse going to go for a 3rd opinion not a sucessfull surgery in our eyes very stressed about working husband is only 52
Im supposed to have a prc done in July. Im 66 years old and am thinking maybe I’ll just skip the surgery and just use the splint. However I don’t want anything to get worse. I broke my scaffoid bone which is necrotic so they recommend this procedure. Any opinions?
Find the best hand surgeon around and have it done. I will be posting an article on some natural products that I have discovered helped tremendously. I am in the middle of moving and have lifted heavy boxes etc… Yes, my fingers get a bit swollen but no pain. I just got my computer and office together so I hope to publish a blog article shortly.
Kathy,
I’m a 65 yr old and I nursed my wrist along for years and all I did was make it worse. The brace helped but daily life got in the way making my wrist sore ALL the time, instead of most of the time. I had my surg May 28th and am still in cast. However, I had a reaction to the anestesea (spelled wrong) and landed in the cardiac unit with congestive heart failure for 7 days.
.
Cast comes off next week. I have to say that the pain and discomfort was doable for me and I did hit the pain pills when necessary. I have pain free movement of 4 fingers, the only thing that hurts is the base of the thumb, which has me worried.
Please ask a lot of questions about the anestersea and possible drug interactions with the meds you are taking.
Good luck to you
Thanks for your response. I have spoken to my cardiologist, primary care doc, and liver doc. I have to change some meds over time so it looks like July will be the surgery. I’m worried as I live alone and am unsure about dressing myself and things like that. How much are you able to do? I’m moving apartments on July 1st so I’ll have to quick unpack!
I was able to more than I thought. My worst part was removing the brace after the cast was removed to wash my hand daily. That lasted for a week or so. No button shirts and loose fitting jogging pants are best (zipper and button on jeans).
I fail in Sept and fructure my Scalpniod bone in my right wrist. I had abone graft done in February, but the graft did not take, and the pain is increasing each day. I am having a P.R.C. on Monday morning. What I will have left in my wrist once surgery is completed, is the removal of the scalpnoid and the two joining bones removed and the 4 left will be screwed together to support the wrist function. I have been told that I will still have movement in the wrist. Has anyone out there experienced this and what was your outcome.
I overextended my dominant hand causing a scapholunate dislocation. This was missed on the initial x ray and after a few months someone finally noticed. My first surgery was a bone graft to replace the torn ligament between my scaphoid and lunate from my middle finger joint which was screwed into place. A few months into physio the pain increased and x rays showed one of the screws was loosening so it was decided I would have a second surgery to remove both screws. After not taking any post op x rays I noticed a lot of pain and still restricted movement that was assumed to be the fault of the screws. After physio and acupuncture my surgeon realised that we did not have post op x rays and when they were taken it shows the removal of the screws had dislodged the bone graft causing it be reabsorbed. So I am back to my dislocated wrist. Now I’m told I need surgery again and having seen another surgeon, between the two of them my options are: If the surfaces aren’t too damaged a PRC (which to me at the time seemed drastic), otherwise a wrist fusion with some nerve cutting, or possibly a wrist joint replacement. My question to any of you post op is has anyone had this for quite a while now? or been told just how long this surgery will last them? Because my doctor said it would only last so long then I would have to try one of the alternatives anyway. I am 24 and all that happened was an accident that barely hurt at the time. How long were you in cast? And what % movement did you gain back? What’s the pain like? And I guess the big question, now you’ve had it, if you could go back and make that decision again would you still pick it? Was it worth it?
I am grateful to find your blog, as I was diagnosed today. I have systemic schlerderma ( an autoimmune disorder). My immune system thinks it needs to make new skin cells (that I don’t need) so it has attacked my left wrist and dissolved the cartilage to get enough collegan to make these skin cells. So all my small bones are floating around in my wrist with no cartilage to hold them into place and the pain is over the top, when one of puppies hits or pinches a nerve. This surgery is my only option. I’m hopeful my bounce back from this surgery is as easy as some you. I’m quite nervous, so thx for listening.
Wow, that is an unusual reason to have this surgery. I wish you luck and keep us informed. Can they stop the immune system from further attacks to cartilage?
No, they can’t stop this auto immune response, they can only treat the symptoms. However, I am told that it can go into remission and it5 will never show it’s ugly face again. They have some new “biologics” but they are real chancy and cause all kinds of other problems, like heart attack and stroke. I already have new hip and new knee and now this. I’ll be the bionic women by the all this done. No more making jewelry, Surgery is scheduled for 4/28. hx for the support.
My lunate was just diagnosed and it is stage IV, completely dead. Would this PRC work on my, right now they are saying I have no option except surgery to remove the dead bone and then fuse the entire wrist so I would have no movement in it at all.
Well, that is exactly what I had and a PRC worked. My lunate became brittle and cracked due to a lack of blood flow. I am not a doctor and can not make a diagnosis on your situation, but I would seek out the opinion of a hand surgeon.
Thank you, I saw the utube video you have on here and it looks and sounds like I would love to try this instead of fusion, but I live in Nebraska. How do I find a surgeon that does this procedure?
I would search online for the hand clinic in Kentucky and then contact them They should be able to recommend a hand surgeon.
My husband had this surgery 9 months ago due to the screw in his wrist bone backing out. He is still in a great amount of pain and we are going back to the doctor later this month. He did have physical therapy after and did all the heat and cold treatments. He is a cabinet maker by trade and we have had to close our business after 25 years. He says he has some strength back but very painful to write, brush teeth and push lumber thru his saw. Anyone have any information on their pain level and how long it took to disapate
I am so glad that i found your blog! I found out that I have Kienböcks disease when I was 21 (I’m now 23). I’ve already had 2 surgeries, but none of them worked. So know my doctor suggested the PRC.
Can I ask you about the movement in your hand after the surgery, did you get it back (or at least the 50% back)? I was told that you might not even get that much movement back..
And can you put some weight on it, can you for example do a push up?
Thanks!
Hi, You can get up to 50 % bend of the original. I was not so lucky but I find that I am not that much limited since the body attacks chores from a different angle, your arm and shoulder often compensates. However, you will not be able to do push ups because your hand will not bend that way. You may be able to do them with a closed fist and wrist straight. Depends how heavy you are, I guess and how well your wrist heals. Not something I can do. My goal was to ride a motorcycle again and I am hoping to reach that this summer (as soon as the snow goes).
I wish you luck with your procedure and please keep us informed about how it goes and send us some updates 🙂
Thanks for your answer!
It makes me really sad that there is no better answer to these problems, and that you loose so much movement in your hand. Are you worried about not be able to ride your motorcycle again, your wrist is not fully healed yet? I hope you will succeed in that! 🙂
I am having my surgery in maybe 6 months or so (in Finland you have to queue up to 6 months to get your surgery) so I still have time to consider whether to really do this surgery now, or just wait a few years until my wrist gets unbearable and do this surgery later. I don’t like the idea of loosing so much movement..
I am concerned with the extreme pain in the base of my thumb. Dr says the pain will go away after prc, any advise
Dave, may I ask, what kind of pain do you have in your thumb? I have recently been experiencing momentarily some sharp pain in the base of my thumb. I thought i was just something else. Can you try to describe your pain?
The real problem with a PRC is that it is part science and part luck. Once the surgeons do their best to remove the bones, the body and how you use your hands will decides where the remaining bones settle in place. Often they do not settle in a totally pain free way such as with me. I have an issue with a fragment that is rubbing against the base of my thumb. This causes me a stiffness and sometimes soreness but it is not sore that I have to take painkillers. More like it goes from loose to stiff. I have rode 8,000 Km this summer so far. Being able to ride was one of my goals. I do get sore at times but it goes away quickly without any painkillers.
Now I have to decide with the doctor if I want to have him grind down the bone in the thumb that is rubbing. Again there is no guarantee. After he fixes that, the bones could settle in a good, same or worse way.
Maria/Peter, I had my scaphoid and lunate replaced from bone out of my hip 31 years ago. I had a pin going through the base of my thumb by my wrist. The base of my thumb has a dull acke that just won’t go away. After my surgery (31 yrs ago) I lost most movement in my wrist. I have not been back to an Orthopedic surgeon since my surgery and have been putting up with the pain. I had my first visit in June 2014 and the surgeon recommended PRC, because he said the bones have been dead and the surgery probably never actually successful because the bones were dead with no blood flow. At times, I cannot remove a plastic screw cap off a gallon of milk. Thanks
What did you end up going through with? I’m 22 deciding whether to remove my lunate and add a pyrocarbon replacement instead or going through with the prc
I use to golf a lot then only a few times a year after developed Kienbock in my left wrist from a fall, Haven’t golfed in about 5 years because the pain after a round wasn’t worth it. The golfing was with a neoprene wrist brace and after a few swings pain would develop. It’s my left wrist the power wrist in my swing. As I near retirement I would really like to start golfing again and was wondering if after the PRC surgery would I be able to golf once or twice a week pain free. Thanks
If you read the blog there are some golfers who were golfing months after their operation. There are also others that could not. It seems to be that kind of procedure and you never know how your hand reacts to such a surgery until you actually do it.
I am a scratch golfer who had a PRC in my right wrist so yes you will be able to play.
My shot making is not what it used to be but I believe my short game is better maybe because I hit fewer greens now. I am 57 and play or practice five days a week.
I am not able to bend my wrist to do a push up, but I do do them on my fists.
Does your hand look different? The xray and video are just like my hand. I’m having the surgery in 10 days.
It does look a bit different but only to me. Unless I point out the different wrist to someone they would not notice. I would take a picture of my both hands together but I cannot operate the camera with my mouth. Perhaps later when a friend comes over.
What you all have that involves the lunate bone (only lunate) is called “Kienbock” disease. It is somewhat rare and oftentimes not diagnosed properly since only expert orthopedists catch it. My daughter has it. Hers was caught before the complete death of the lunate and so an amazing hand surgeon in Seattle shortened her radius bone and plated that and then did a “live” bone graft from living bone tissue to what remained of the lunate bone to stop the necrosis. It would not regenerate the lunate but in theory would help keep it from dying completely if the graft worked and the lunate started receiving blood supply again. This condition is often caused by an elongated radius bone. Most of the time it is not caught until it is too late and the lunate is completely dead and crumbling or is almost there. It is usually only on one side but can be bilateral in some people. Just Google “Kienbock” disease or syndrome and you will get some info on it. My daughter was in high school when she was finally diagnosed. At first the pain in her wrist/arm/hand just was thought to be overuse or a sprain/strain since she worked at a job where she did lifting. Not the case though. Her surgery was successful. She is a lot weaker on that wrist/hand and it gets real cold during the cold damp winter months with that metal plate in the wrist but the lunate necrosis has stopped and she won’t have such bad arthritis in her older years because that bone will still be in place. She does not have the aching and pain that she once had. Good luck everyone!!!
Oh YES! We all know about “Kienbock”…But I have to say that I wish I didn’t!
I just had the PRC procedure two weeks ago. I was diagnosed with keinbocks only after it was too late and my lunate bone was completely shattered. I just started physical therapy. I’m still in a lot of pain…more so than before the surgery. I’m hoping with a few weeks of PT I will start to see some positive results.
Guys……. had PRC in both wrists due to Osteoarthitis. Right wrist only 12 weeks ago and doing well. My experience with left wrist is excellent. Have regained much oif my strength and grip and 80 % pain relief. Some aching but well worth the Op
Had the procedure done on my left wrist about 9 months ago by a plastic surgeon whose specialty is hands. One of the bones was badly deteriorated from arthritis. I was in constant and extreme pain; and if I hit my hand on something, the pain would go through the roof. Now, only occasional pain if I happen to twist the wrist in some not-every-day way, and even then the pain is momentary and much, much less and more dull. I have equal range of motion with my right wrist; although strength is not quite what it used to be, it’s been less than a year and I have seen constant improvement since the operation. I was very skeptical, wondering how I’d get along without those 3 bones, but I couldn’t be more satisfied. I had no physical therapy, and was instructed to not purposely exercise the hand/wrist, but just use it naturally. GHE, Phoenix, 2-27-14
Geroge Eversole, I’m at the stage described in the first 4 lines of you post. I’ve read so many follow ups and this thread that I real hesitant to do It. I’ve been buildong a new home for the past year & a half and think it’s better to work in pain than not finish the project. I’m 68 and can’t understand why this should happen to such a young guy.
I’ve read some long term studies, like 10 years , that say no improvement!. Then I follow this thread and wonder if it’s the answer?
I too am awaiting my decision to do the PRC. Much of what I read says it’s not all that special in the lo0ng term.
Glad to find this update post. Each day the pain is worse, but I’m not sold yet. I’m a real active 68 and don’t do well when sedentary.
I had the PRC done in June of 2011 @ kutch and Kleinert here in Lou key was in a cast for 6 weeks but was using my fingers and thumb after only a couple days only off work a week but was back on light duty . After having the cast removed I didn’t do very much PT and went back to full duty. Has been great. Before surgery every time I hit my hand on anything the pain was terrible I was getting cortisone shots every 3 mo. For almost 2 years . Very glad I finally did it it’s changed my life . I’m 56 and mine was from osteoarthritis
I’m 33 I work on a drilling rig and I’m about to have that surgery next week I’m scared to death that I won’t b able to work anymore after I have it …same problem as u artery was damaged to the lunate and it’s collapsing …how’s the strength in ur wrist ? Can u tell any difference ? Please any input would help me thank u
I can do most of the things I did before but I am a computer guy and I ride a motorcycle. I think shocks like a hammer or chain saw would irritate it. But it is not yet a year. I will be posting an update shortly with a video of things I can do. Am I happy about the surgery? Heck no. Is there worse things in life? Heck yes. I think the lifting would be an issue.
I am not certain you will be able to do your same job as gripping strength and flexion are reduced. I am only 6+ weeks post surgery so this is only a limited observation.
My name is Joe, 34 yrs old. I had the PRC done back in 2007. Initially a had broken my Scaphoid and they did a bone graft to it. 2 yrs later they found that the graft didn’t fuse and was systic and disintegrating.
Recently I injured the same wrist. They found that my radial and ulnar tips and wrist bones were severely compacted and eroding. The surgeon I spoke with told me to GET ANOTHER JOB.(I do manual labor and work out) He also said that PRC is not meant for people who do laborious work.
With regard to strength it’ll never be as strong as it was because your hand will be shorter than your ligaments. But managed to get pretty close, although it’ll take some time.
You’ll be able to do your job but you’ll end up like me. If you decide to continue with your job ALWAYS wear a brace…they didn’t tell me that part.
I still have some yrs left on it before I have to get a full fusion. How long depends on what I do.
Hey Joe I gotta agree with ya. I too had a PRC in 2007. Still having issues with the wrist and have not been able to return to my carpentry in a full time fashion. I have found as you were told that a PRC is not a good option for one in the construction trades/manual labor. I was a workers comp case and went through two operations. First to fuse/graft the fractured Lunate…that failed and then was suggested a PRC be done as opposed to a complete fusion. Others doctors have told me the same ….a fusion would have been a better option than the PRC.
My hand today is like wearing a glove a size smaller than usual. Always tight,stiff,weak,and no real amount of stretching eases the symptoms. Hell I can’t even do a simple push up.
Thank you so much for all of your abundant information on PRC !!My husband will be having this surgery on Monday. I have been scouring the web for answers and after taking questions, researching and answering he has one question oustanding … Do you know how long the actual surgery will last? Approximately ?? Thank you !
mine lasted about and hour and 1/2. I was sent home with oxycodone but couldnt tolerate it so I only took it for 1 day. Then I took Aleve for the next week. It’s been 6 weeks and my wrist is still very stiff and somewhat painful but my fingers work well. It is going to be a long recovery but I am hopeful to be relieved of the paid and get more mobility in my wrist within the year.
I had PRC in Feb. 20,2015 and my hand is still very stiff.When I do the therapy it get swollen and painful.Is this normal to happen? How long does it take for recovery?
I had a bone fragment at the base of the thumb that was only found after a MRI. I stopped the therapy since most parts of it would swell up my fingers and cause pain. I just used my hands doing many things. I found working with tools like on my motorcycle very helpful.