Tendon and muscle reconstruction refers to a surgical procedure that helps in locating the divided tendons, and muscles to stitch them together. Common problems that usually need tendon and muscle reconstructions are wrist drop and foot drop. (both upper and lower limbs)
Wrist drop – A common injury that involves re-implantation of the wrist (upper limb)
Wrist drop occurs when a person can’t extend their wrist and is limp in appearance. This occurs when the radial nerve is damaged due to a cut or wound. The radial nerve sends the message from the brain to the hand for functionality.
The main cause of a wrist drop is due to overuse of the hands and wrist. This is usually common with people who lift heavy weights or who are in sports.
What are the symptoms of wrist drop?
- If there is an injury to the nerve, the person will experience numbness in the wrist, hand, behind the hand and the forearm.
- Weakness and difficulty in moving the wrist normally in day to day activities are hard to perform in bending the wrist backwards or straightening of thumb and fingers.
- Continuous pain also is felt in the forearm or elbow.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment and recovery for a wrist drop may involve splinting (a temporary immobilising device for the limb that is injured). If the trauma is severe, it may also require a re-implantation procedure. However, with a splint, the recovery usually is seen spontaneously within 8-12 weeks.
