First total wrist replacement successfully performed in Stornoway!

NHS Western Isles is delighted to share that the first total wrist replacement (Motec) has been successfully performed at Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway — marking a significant step forward in delivering advanced hand and wrist surgery to remote communities.

This landmark procedure was led by Mr Grzegorz Sianos, Consultant Hand and Wrist Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, with the exceptional support of an outstanding multidisciplinary team.

The procedure took place on August 5, and the patient was Donald Morrison from Lewis.

Mr Morrison said: “It went very well. Everything went great and the surgeon and anaesthetist were excellent. I couldn’t have wished for a better service.”

Mr Morrison said that having the procedure done locally made a ‘big difference’ to him. He added: “I was home that night – just in time to see the Rangers match!”

Mr Sianos commented: “We wish our patient a smooth and uneventful recovery under the dedicated care of Occupational Therapy Team Lead & Rheumatology And Hand Condition, Jenny Hill, whose rehabilitation work is crucial to functional recovery.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “As an organisation we are continually trying to improve and expand the range of services, procedures, and care that we can safely and effectively deliver.

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

Special thanks to theatre, anaesthetic, and clinical support staff, and Acumed for technical support. Also thanks to Motec, whose pioneering design of the Motec wrist prosthesis continues to bring transformative outcomes to patients worldwide.

A final reflection from Mr Sianos: “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.”