Sometimes bones do not heal properly, which is called malunion. Malunion describes a fracture that heals in a position that is not ideal. In most cases, slight changes in anatomy do not cause symptoms. But, when the changes are severe, patients often complain of difficulty with motion and pain in the wrist. When malunion limits your activities and causes pain, surgery is a possible treatment.

A surgical procedure called an osteotomy allows the deformity to be corrected by cutting the bone and placing it back in the appropriate position. It is held in the correct position by an internal metal plate and screws.