"I opted for the replacement since I felt a total fusion would limit my ROM too much," says Irene, a 54 year old, Bookkeeper Administration Manager, whose work involves a great deal of handwriting as well as computer work. "I also have two small grandchildren who I love to romp and play games with." Irene was originally diagnosed with stage 2 Kienbock's Disease in June 2003, and underwent an STT fusion the following October. After experiencing an increase in pain again, in September 2004, she had arthroscopic surgery to repair a full thickness tear of the TFCC, and to assess the condition of the lunate. Diagnosed as advanced stage 4, the lunate had completely collapsed and was crumbling away along with carpal collapse. The only surgical options available to her were either total fusion or a total wrist replacement. The surgery was performed at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. |
