Name of the Procedure:

Radial Styloidectomy

Summary

Radial styloidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the radial styloid, a bony prominence on the wrist located at the end of the radius. This surgery aims to relieve pain and improve wrist function for individuals experiencing chronic pain or arthritis.

Purpose

Radial styloidectomy addresses conditions such as:

• Chronic pain in the wrist due to arthritis or injury.
• Decreased range of motion. The goals of the procedure are to reduce or eliminate wrist pain and improve the function and mobility of the wrist.

Indications

The procedure is indicated for:

• Patients suffering from chronic wrist pain not relieved by non-surgical treatments.
• Those with arthritis affecting the radial styloid.
• Individuals experiencing limited wrist motion due to bone impingement.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Any blood-thinning medications might need to be adjusted or stopped.
• Diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRI scans may be performed to assess the condition of the wrist.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is placed under regional or general anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made over the radial styloid.
3. The surgeon carefully removes the bony prominence using specialized instruments.
4. The incision is then closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

Radial styloidectomy is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center or a hospital.

Personnel

The procedure involves:

• An orthopedic or hand surgeon.
• An anesthesiologist.
• Surgical nurses and technicians.

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or hematoma.
• Nerve damage resulting in numbness or tingling. Rare complications might include:
• Prolonged pain or stiffness.
• Non-healing of the surgical wound or improper bone healing.

Benefits

Benefits of the procedure include:

• Significant reduction or elimination of wrist pain.
• Improved wrist function and mobility. Patients typically begin to notice these benefits within a few weeks post-surgery.

Recovery

• Post-procedure, the wrist is usually immobilized in a splint or cast for a few weeks.
• Pain and swelling are managed with medications.
• Physical therapy may be recommended to aid recovery and restore wrist function.
• Full recovery usually takes about 6-8 weeks.

Alternatives

Alternative treatment options include:

• Non-surgical approaches like physical therapy, pain medications, or corticosteroid injections.
• Other types of wrist surgery, such as wrist fusion. Each alternative has its own pros and cons which should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under anesthesia and should not feel pain. Post-procedure, some discomfort and swelling are expected, manageable with pain medications and ice packs. Proper care and adherence to follow-up appointments will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes.