Longtime Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Undergoes Successful Hand Reconstruction Surgery at Placentia-Linda Hospital

PLACENTIA, Calif. – July 31, 2016 – Carleen F. a 48-year-old patient, has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis from head to toe since she was 18. Most painful was her left wrist, which has had little-to-no mobility for many of the past 30 years. In an attempt to help her condition, Carleen moved from her home town of Boston for the weather in Southern California. Soon after, she met Michael Rubinstein, MD, who has performed two hand reconstruction surgeries on Carleen in the past decade.

The most recent surgery was in November 2015. Both were performed at Placentia-Linda Hospital in Placentia. In the first surgery, Carleen had a total wrist replacement, using hardware to replace her deteriorating bone. After approximately nine years, part of the hardware began failing and had to be replaced. The second surgery also gave Dr. Rubinstein the opportunity to apply advances that have been made in recent years in treating patients with congenital defects, degenerative disorders and injuries of the hand.

“It was just natural deterioration; typically, the hardware at that time was not expected to last a decade,” says Dr. Rubinstein. “In Carleen’s case, we replaced the hardware with human cadaver bone, which should be a more permanent solution.”

Was the latest surgery successful and effective? Carleen answers that with resounding affirmation.

“It’s been unbelievable,” she says. “My wrist is pain-free and my movement is good. I’ve been told it takes almost a year to have full mobility, but the improvement has been fantastic.” Carleen, who spent two days in the hospital following the second surgery, is simultaneously undergoing occupational therapy by a trained hand therapist.

“Placentia-Linda is a great hospital,” says Carleen. “For both of my surgeries I couldn’t have been more impressed with the attentiveness and professionalism of the nurses and everyone I interacted with during my stays. Dr.  Rubinstein has been able to help and get the results I have hoped for.”

About Placentia-Linda Hospital

Placentia-Linda Hospital specializes in orthopedic surgery, including hand/shoulder surgery, joint replacement and sports medicine. Placentia-Linda Hospital is located at 1301 N. Rose Drive, Placentia, CA 92870. For more information, you may call 714-993-2000 or visit the hospital’s website at www.placentialinda.com.