What is Forearm Surgery?
Forearm surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to treat injuries, diseases, and deformities of the forearm, which includes the area between the elbow and the wrist. It is typically performed by orthopedic surgeons and may involve the bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. The surgery can be elective for chronic conditions or emergency in case of acute injuries.
Why do you Need Forearm Surgery?
Elective forearm surgery may be performed for conditions such as:
- Repetitive strain injuries like golfer's elbow or tennis elbow.
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the joints in the forearm.
- Congenital deformities, including malunions or nonunions of forearm bones.
- Tumor removal from the bones or soft tissues.
- Chronic compartment syndrome, which involves increased pressure within the muscles that can lead to muscle and nerve damage.
Emergency forearm surgery is typically required for:
- Fractures of the radius, ulna, or both, which may be open or closed.
- Severe tendon lacerations or ruptures.
- Acute compartment syndrome, which is a surgical emergency.
- Nerve entrapment syndromes requiring urgent decompression.
- Vascular injuries compromising blood flow to the hand.
Types of Forearm Surgery
Some common forearm surgical procedures include:
- Open Reduction And Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure is used to realign and stabilize fractured bones using plates, screws, or rods.
- Tendon Repair: Involves suturing torn tendons and may include grafting if the tendon is severely damaged.
- Nerve Decompression: Relieves pressure on trapped nerves to restore function and alleviate pain.
- Fasciotomy: A procedure to relieve pressure in the case of compartment syndrome.
- Bone Grafting: Used to treat nonunions or malunions by transplanting bone tissue.
Recovery from forearm surgery varies depending on the procedure and the patient's overall health, but typically includes immobilization followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.