Understanding Rigby Plates for Treating Wrist Fractures

Understanding Rigby Plates for Wrist Fractures

Wrist fractures are a common injury that often require surgery to implant hardware like plates and screws to stabilize the bones while they heal. Rigby plates are one type of orthopedic plate specifically designed to treat distal radius fractures at the wrist. If you or someone you know has recently had wrist surgery using Rigby plates, this comprehensive guide will provide key information to help understand this implant.

What is a Distal Radius Fracture?

The radius is one of the two forearm bones located on the thumb side. The distal end refers to the lower portion nearest the wrist. A distal radius fracture means the bone has broken within 2.5 cm of the wrist joint.

These fractures are most frequently caused by falling onto an outstretched hand which overwhelms the structural integrity of the bone. They require treatment to properly realign the bone fragments and support the wrist while healing occurs.

Rigby Plate Function and Composition

Rigby plates are specially contoured to fit the distal radius bone at the base of the thumb. They are anatomically pre-shaped using advanced imaging technology to securely stabilize fracture fragments from various angles and lock them into correct position.

Manufactured from medical-grade titanium alloy, Rigby plates contain screw holes to safely anchor the implants to healthy bone while keeping tissues and joints clear. The metal composition minimizes interference with x-rays compared to stainless steel implants during ongoing imaging assessments.

The Clinical Advantage of Rigby Plates

Unlike conventional plating systems, Rigby plate technology is patient-matched. The pre-contoured shape eliminates bending or molding plates during surgery which could compromise the metal and fracture site stabilization.

The plates deliver advanced stability throughout healing without tendon irritation. Their low profile contours around anatomic curvature and wrist movement while supporting the repaired bone fragments until they fuse.

Overall, Rigby plates represent an anatomic-specific, clinically-superior option available to treat the spectrum of complex distal radius fractures a hand surgeon may encounter.

Undergoing Surgery for a Distal Radius Fracture

When non-surgical methods like casting or splinting fail to maintain realignment of the bone segments, surgery is recommended. The goals of operative treatment include:

• Anatomically aligning the radius bones and joint surface
• Stabilizing the fracture segments with hardware
• Facilitating rapid healing in the corrected position
• Restoring optimal wrist mobility

What to Expect with Surgery

The operation is done under general anesthesia or a nerve block. The surgeon accesses the distal radius through an incision at the base of the wrist. Fracture fragments are repositioned into their normal alignment guided by the plate shape. Screws are placed through the implants into healthy bone to secure stabilization.

Rigby plates hold the radius bones perfectly reduced as they heal. Incisions are then closed with sutures and the arm placed in a splint. Surgery time averages 1-2 hours depending on severity of dislocation, swelling, and approach.

Initial Recovery After Surgery

You will wake up with a well-padded dressing and splint on your wrist. This immobilization limits motion to allow for initial healing where the implants and bone join together.

Discomfort can be managed with prescription medication along with elevation and ice. Follow all instructions from your doctor such as:

• Keeping the wounds clean and dry
• Attending physical therapy appointments
• Identifying concerning signs like redness or drainage

Temporary numbness, tingling, and swelling are normal after surgery. Report any side effects of medications, unmanageable pain, or other problems promptly to the care team.

Rehabilitation Exercises and Timeline with Rigby Plates

The implants provide such robust stabilization that wrist motion can often begin within 2 weeks. However, each protocol is personalized based on the specifics of your injury and surgery factors. Early rehabilitation aims to:

• Control swelling and discomfort
• Maintain finger/hand strength
• Improve mobility of uninjured joints

Intermediate Stages of Healing

Approximately 6 weeks out, your surgeon clears advancing motion recovery based on repeated x-ray reviews. Rigby plates keep the bones perfectly still while early callus forms.

With adequate fusion present, formal physical therapy starts to improve flexibility, rotation, gripping, pinching, and dexterity. Light activities may be permitted using the disabled hand for daily tasks without weightbearing.

Final Healing Phase

Complete joined bone union where the previous crack existed can take 3 months. At this point the wrist can handle heavier functional demands needed for work and sports if required.

Symptoms like stiffness, aching, and weakness continue improving through one year. Talk to your surgeon about the possibility of plate removal once the radius is solidly fused as desired alignment and mobility have been achieved.

FAQs

What are the benefits of rigby plates?

Rigby plates offer patient-specific anatomical shaping to perfectly contour the wrist area. This improves stabilization, speeds up healing time, and reduces tendon irritation compared to conventional fracture plates.

How long does it take to recover after getting a rigby plate?

With rigby plates, early gentle wrist motion often begins within 2 weeks. Intermediate recovery takes around 6 weeks as the callus forms. Complete bone union can take up to 3 months. Full recovery takes about one year.

When can the rigby plate be removed?

Removal is optional but may occur once the surgeon confirms the radius bone has fused solidly, usually by around 6 months if desired alignment and wrist mobility have been restored.

What precautions should I take after rigby plate surgery?

Follow all post-op instructions from your surgeon closely, including wound care, medication usage, physical therapy exercises, activity restrictions to protect the healing implants and bone, and signs of complications to report urgently.