Wrist Total Arthroplasty

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

No lifting/pushing/pulling; no resistance strengthening or PROM until 8 weeks; LIFETIME restrictions: permanently avoid repeated forceful activities (hammering), heavy manual work, and contact sports

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): volar wrist splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): rigid WHO (custom thermoplastic or Exos semi-custom), AROM wrist 4-way/forearm, light 2-handed functional tasks, dexterity; Phase 3 (7-12 wks): wean orthosis, PROM and progressive wrist strengthening from wk 8; target ROM: extension 40°, flexion 20°, radial deviation 10°, ulnar deviation 15°; functional activities within lifetime precautions from wk 12

Notes

LIFETIME restrictions on heavy manual work, repeated forceful activities, contact sports; target ROM per Green's Operative Hand Surgery 8th Ed.; ROM deficits expected long-term; recovery takes several months to >1 year; long-term wrist orthosis PRN for sleep, activity, and soft tissue rest; UVA uses Anika Wrist Motion system

Published

09/2024