Wrist Arthroscopy
If you need a wrist arthroscopy, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is a Wrist Arthroscopy?
A wrist arthroscopy uses a small camera and specialized instruments to examine and treat problems inside the wrist joint. During the procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions around the wrist and inserts an arthroscope through one opening. The camera displays detailed images on a monitor, helping the surgeon evaluate the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other structures within the wrist.
Surgeons use wrist arthroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, wrist fractures, and chronic wrist pain. Depending on the underlying problem, a surgeon may repair damaged tissue, remove inflamed or damaged tissue, or smooth rough cartilage during the same procedure. Smaller incisions can reduce tissue damage and support a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.
How Does a Wrist Arthroscopy Work?
During a wrist arthroscopy, a surgeon uses a small camera called an arthroscope to examine the inside of the wrist joint. The surgeon makes small incisions around the wrist and inserts the arthroscope through one opening. The camera sends images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to closely examine the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other structures within the joint. The surgeon may also insert small surgical instruments through additional openings to treat certain problems during the same procedure.
Depending on the patient’s condition, the surgeon may remove damaged tissue, repair torn ligaments, smooth damaged cartilage, or address other sources of wrist pain and dysfunction. Small incisions typically require less tissue disruption than traditional open surgery, which can support a smoother recovery. After the procedure, the medical team provides specific instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, and rehabilitation to help restore wrist strength and movement.
Common Conditions Treated with a Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy can treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Ligament Tears: Surgeons repair or remove damaged ligaments that cause instability and pain in the wrist.
- Cartilage Damage: If the cartilage is injured or arthritic, surgeons smooth or repair it to restore joint function.
- Wrist Impingement: Arthroscopy helps relieve pain caused by bones or soft tissue rubbing against each other.
- Wrist Fractures: Surgeons use arthroscopy to clean debris, remove bone fragments, or realign fractured bones.
- Ganglion Cysts: Arthroscopy removes these fluid-filled lumps from the wrist, easing discomfort and improving mobility.
- Arthritis: Surgeons can manage certain types of arthritis by removing damaged tissue or performing joint debridement, thereby delaying the need for joint fusion.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Wrist Surgery
Wrist arthroscopy provides multiple benefits compared to open surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: The small incisions reduce tissue damage and the risk of complications.
- Faster Recovery: Because the procedure causes less trauma, recovery time is shorter. Typically, most patients return to normal activities within weeks.
- Reduced Pain: Smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation lead to less postoperative pain and swelling.
- Precision: High-definition images from the arthroscope enable surgeons to treat issues with great accuracy, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
- Lower Risk of Infection: The small incisions reduce the risk of infection when compared to traditional open surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from wrist arthroscopy is generally quicker and less painful than recovery from traditional surgery. After the procedure, the wrist will be bandaged or splinted for protection. In the first few days, patients should rest and elevate the wrist to reduce swelling.
Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, although they should avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities for several weeks. To aid recovery, surgeons may recommend physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility to the wrist joint.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038 or contact us online. Telemedicine appointments are also available.
