Specialized Hand & Wrist Care in Colorado Springs

Osteotomy for Distal Radius Malunion

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your hands and wrists play an important role in nearly everything you do, from working and exercising to performing everyday activities. Injuries, arthritis, nerve conditions, tendon problems, and other disorders can cause pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of function.

CSOG provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, fingers, and surrounding structures. Our specialists offer a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including therapy, injections, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced surgical techniques when appropriate.

Whether you are dealing with a new injury or a condition that has gradually affected your function, our team will evaluate your individual needs and develop a treatment plan focused on relieving symptoms, restoring function, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

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What is Distal Radius Malunion?

Distal radius fractures of the wrist can range from a minor fracture of the radius bone without joint dislocation to serious injury where the fractured bones protrude through the skin. Non-surgical treatment options can heal most of these fractures. In certain cases, the bones may heal with a deformity called a malunion, resulting in improper functioning of your wrist. You may experience pain, stiffness and difficulty flexing or bending your wrist, due to the formation of new bone at the spaces between the fractures.

Osteotomy for Distal Radius Malunion

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure to cut and reshape deformed bones. Your doctor recommends osteotomy to correct distal radius malunion when non-surgical options such as splinting or physical therapy are unsuccessful.

Preparation

Your doctor will assess your symptoms and take your medical history. A physical examination and imaging tests such as X-ray, CT-scan or MRI may be ordered.

Procedure

The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia and includes the following common steps:

• A small incision is made at the back of your wrist near the wrist joint.
• The area of deformity is exposed. Care is taken to prevent damage to the nerves.
• Your surgeon performs the necessary resection and reshaping of the bone.
• Screws or locking plates are used to align the bones.
• Bone grafts (bone tissue from elsewhere in your body) may be inserted and impacted to the fusion site.
• The incisions are closed with a bandage.

Rehabilitation after Surgery

Rehabilitation after osteotomy involves :

• Pain medications prescribed as needed.
• Your wrist will be enclosed and supported by a cast.
• You will be advised to keep your arm elevated on pillows above the level of your heart.
• Physical therapy will be ordered to help restore wrist function, strength, and range of motion.
• You will be advised to eat a healthy diet and to quit smoking to promote healing.