Smith's Fracture Help with improving movement

[Willowoak]

Hi folks, I am hoping you guys and gals may be able to help me.

I managed to Smith's fracture my Right (non dominant) Wrist approx. 8 years ago. And had the usual "T" shaped plate inserted on the anterior side of my ulna.
Now i actually had reasonable movement... BUT i still struggle with the turn hand out movement. For exp. (i generally have to move my elbow into the center of my body to stop coins rolling off.)

I am also attempting to learn Guitar.. and being a true lefty.. i really need to use my Right (damaged) hand for fret work... this because of the above is proving difficult.

I am due to see the surgeon again shortly due to the pain and swelling i STILL get (8 years later) As i use that hand a lot for driving.. (My Job)

I have had an X-Ray which showed significant narrowing to the joints. So we may be looking at having the plate removed.

Ok thats the background now for the Qu's.

So 1. Are there any exercises that will improve that turn hand over movement to try and give a flatter hand?

2. Will having the plate removed possibly help with movement?

3. If i have the plate removed.. is there anything they can do while in there.. that might help with movement?

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[physiobob]

It would be great it you can post an x-ray with the t-bar plate in situ. Normally this is screwed into the radius though (as you mention the ulna) as a Smith's fracture is a fracture of the radius. The radius and ulna (actually more the radius) roll as they cross each other when you face your palm down (pronation) and they un-cross when the palm faces up (supination). A therapist will be able to assess whether it is the active movement is restricted or whether both the passive and active movements are blocked into the supinated (palm up) position. If passive movement is blocked they can assess the proximal radioulnar joint (near the elbow) to see if they is functioning normally. They can also assess general muscle strength or atrophy.

As a general comment I think that assessment would be likely to tell you if a plate removal could help. That said, I think that it might be the case that the removal will prove beneficial as the joint narrowing should not affect that movement. Do let us know how you get on.


wrist-fractures.jpg

[Willowoak]

Sorry Bob, What was i thinking :S Of course i meant Ulna. i must have been half asleep lol oh dear. Editing.
I'll see if i can find the xrays.. i have them on a disk somewhere.. :S