Gottfried Pilz injured his hand in a fall. Everything was soon fine again. But little by little, the Bad Zeller felt pain with various movements: “I renovate vintage cars. At some point I could no longer screw and also no longer carry out other activities.” At the Kepler University Hospital in Linz, Senior Physician Stefan Froschauer recommended a wrist prosthesis for the 77-year-old: “After injuries with a broken spoke or torn ligaments, consequential damage can occur – sometimes only after years. Because the carpal bones rub against each other, joint inflammation occurs. If this arthrosis cannot be treated in any other way , an artificial wrist can make sense,” says the surgeon.
Innovative method
The prosthesis consists of a titanium alloy and a plastic coating. It is used during an operation. For this purpose, Froschauer has developed a new technique that allows the artificial wrist to be fitted better: “This means that the main complication, which previously required further interventions, can be ruled out.” The innovative surgical technique was published in the Journal of Hand Surgery. Froschauer also presented the method at the European Hand Surgery Congress in Rotterdam and was honored with the Dr. Walter Pilgerstorfer Prize. The Science Prize is awarded to young Upper Austrian doctors for internationally published studies.
minimize pain
For Gottfried Pilz, the operation has significantly improved his life. “The wounds healed quickly and well. After a few days I was able to use my hand to eat again. Little by little I was able to do everything as before. I no longer have pain, it’s wonderful now,” says the patient. Froschauer explains: “It’s about improving mobility and minimizing pain. The prosthesis may not be as resilient as a natural joint. However, patients report that almost everything is possible again.”
Source: Nachrichten
