'Landmark' moment for remote communities after first wrist replacement surgery carried out in Stornoway

The first-ever wrist replacement has been conducted in Stornoway, marking a “landmark moment” for surgery for remote communities.

Donald Morrison, from Lewis, was the first patient in Stornoway to have a total wrist replacement.

The procedure was carried out by Grzegorz Sianos, consultant hand and wrist surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, on August 5.

The surgery involves removing three bones in the wrist and replacing them with a steel alloy implant called Motec.

The Theatre team at Western Isles Hospital. NHS Western Isles via Supplied

The NHS Western Isles described the surgery as a “significant step” in delivering advanced hand and wrist surgery to remote communities.

‘Home in time for the match’

Mr Morrison said that having the procedure done locally made a “big difference” and that he was able to get home that evening – just in time for the football.

“It went very well,” he said. “Everything went great and the surgeon and anaesthetist were excellent.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better service.

“I was home that night – just in time to see the Rangers match!”

NHS Western Isles chief executive Gordon Jamieson said the operation shows that the health board is “continually improving and expanding the range of services, procedures, and care”.

“Being able to deliver our first total wrist replacement is fantastic, and a testament to the whole team led by Mr Sianos,” he said. “Well done to them and best wishes to the patient.”

Mr Sianos said: “We wish our patient a smooth and uneventful recovery under the dedicated care of physiotherapist, Jenny Hill, whose rehabilitation work is crucial to functional recovery.

“Stornoway (Latitude N58) lies on the same parallel as Linköping, Sweden, where this innovative prosthesis was designed.

“It is both humbling and inspiring to see how international collaboration and innovation can deliver cutting-edge care to even the most geographically remote parts of our healthcare system.”