Should wrist bone tuberculosis be treated by amputation?

Wrist bone tuberculosis does not necessarily require amputation of the hand. Whether surgery is needed depends on the severity of the disease, the extent of the lesions, and the recovery effect after treatment. In general, wrist bone tuberculosis can be controlled through medication and conservative treatment; surgery is only considered when the condition is severe and irreversible.

1). Causes and pathology of wrist bone tuberculosis

Wrist bone tuberculosis is caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a type of bone tuberculosis. The bacteria can enter the bones through the blood. The causes mainly include two aspects:

-External infection: Most patients have a history of tuberculosis, such as pulmonary tuberculosis or lymph node tuberculosis, and the bacteria spread to the wrist.

- Weak immunity: Reduced body resistance makes it easier for tuberculosis bacteria to invade the skeletal system. The incidence rate is higher in the elderly, diabetics or those who are chronically malnourished.

When it occurs in the wrist, it is often accompanied by local pain, swelling, and limited movement. In severe cases, ulceration or abscess formation may even occur.

2) Treatment methods: from drugs to surgical intervention

-Drug treatment: Anti-tuberculosis drugs are the first step in the treatment of bone tuberculosis and the main treatment for most cases. Commonly used drugs include isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. The duration of standard medication usually takes 6 to 9 months and can effectively kill bacteria.

-Local brace fixation: During drug treatment, you can wear a brace to reduce wrist movement and prevent further spread of the lesion.

-Surgery: If the effect of drug treatment is not obvious, or the lesion is severely damaged and abscesses or joint deformities occur, surgery is required. Common surgical methods include lesion removal (lesion removal), lesion tissue scraping, and bone graft repair. Amputation is considered only for severe fistulas and non-healing lesions, but it is extremely rare.

3). Daily care and auxiliary treatment

-Nutritional support: Sufficient intake of protein and foods rich in vitamins A and C can help promote immune function. You can eat more milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, etc.

-Moderate exercise: With the doctor's permission, moderate wrist activity training can be performed during the rehabilitation phase, such as gentle stretching or grip exercises, to avoid secondary injury caused by premature forceful movements.

- Strict compliance with treatment: Regular follow-up X-rays or MRIs are required to monitor treatment progress and avoid interruptions.

Whether wrist bone tuberculosis requires amputation depends on the severity of the disease. Generally, through standardized anti-tuberculosis drug treatment and lesion removal surgery, most patients can save their wrists and restore normal function. If you find that your wrist is swollen and painful for a long time or has difficulty in movement, you need to seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening or spreading of the disease.