For more than 33 years, I lived with a fractured wrist bone from a mountain biking injury in 1991. Due to the longevity of this time span, my wrist pain evolved over the decades, bringing a series of unexpected challenges along the way.

Two years after the initial injury, I underwent surgery at a Maine orthopedic center where a bone graft was used, and the bones were pinned together in an effort to heal the fracture. After eight months in a cast, it never healed. The cast was removed, and I lived with a limited range of motion and moderate wrist pain ever since.

Right wrist x-ray of scaphoid bone fracture.

Fast forward 31 years from my first surgical attempt. In the fall of 2025, I returned to the same orthopedic center for updated imaging and to re-evaluate my options. The X-ray revealed moderate arthritic changes and a large defect in the adjacent wrist bone that compromised its structural integrity for future surgical options.

Given the instability in my wrist, the provider determined that the only surgical option they could offer was a total wrist fusion. I was advised that if the pain was manageable, I should live with it as long as possible before pursuing that route, as total wrist fusion is a final option that permanently and significantly limits the range of motion.

Second opinions matter.

Not fully comfortable with that path, I sought a second opinion at MaineHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine with Dr. Ann Golden.

Although my case presented clear challenges, Dr. Golden approached it with optimism and an open mind from the very beginning. She brought extensive experience and outlined several potential options that could be explored pending more detailed CT imaging. I genuinely felt she was energized by the complexity of the case, and it was refreshing to work with a provider who saw possibilities rather than limitations.

Because my condition is unusual and not widely documented in medical literature, Dr. Golden asked for my permission to share my case with select specialists around the country for additional input. I was fully supportive of this and deeply impressed by her initiative. Her willingness to collaborate and gather expert perspectives reinforced my confidence that every avenue was being explored thoughtfully and thoroughly.

From that process, we developed a thoughtful two-phase surgical plan. The first procedure addressed the instability of my capitate, with a second procedure to be evaluated after healing and rehabilitation from phase one. I understood the risks and felt confident moving forward.

I’m pleased to report that the first surgical phase proceeded as planned. The compromised bone is now structurally sound, and my wrist symptoms have already shown substantial improvement. I’m now focused on therapy and preparing for the second phase according to the timeline we established.

From the initial consultation, I felt heard. My goals were understood. I was equally impressed by the warm welcome I received at surgical check-in and the thoughtful follow-up calls after my procedure to ensure I was recovering well.

I am grateful for the exceptional care I received before, during, and after surgery. My recovery is progressing well, and as I said to my wife afterward, “MaineHealth takes the extra steps to make a patient feel welcome and truly well cared for.”

Learn more about MaineHealth Orthopedics and Sports Medicine by visiting MaineHealth.org/Ortho