Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy is a type of surgery that helps doctors look inside the wrist to find out what is wrong and fix any issues. During this procedure, surgeons use a tiny camera and special tools that allow them to examine and treat the wrist without making a large cut. This means that patients usually heal faster and feel less pain after the surgery compared to more traditional methods.

Indications for Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy is recommended for patients experiencing:

• Ongoing Wrist Pain: If a person has chronic wrist pain that does not improve with simple treatments, surgery might be needed.
• Ligament Issues: It can help if there are tears or problems with the ligaments in the wrist, which are the bands of tissue that connect bones.
• Nerve Problems: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves in the wrist, can also be treated with this procedure.
• Cartilage Damage or Arthritis: If there are injuries to the cartilage (the smooth tissue on the ends of bones) or early signs of arthritis, wrist arthroscopy might be considered.
• Loose Fragments: Sometimes, small pieces of bone or cartilage can move around in the wrist joint and this procedure can help remove them.
• Ganglion Cysts: If a person has ganglion cysts (fluid-filled lumps) in the wrist and other treatments have not helped, arthroscopy can be an effective option.

This procedure allows doctors to see inside the wrist using a small camera and perform repairs with minimal disruption.

Who is Eligible for Wrist Arthroscopy?

Patients who may benefit from wrist arthroscopy include:

• Those with persistent wrist pain that affects daily activities.
• Individuals with sports or work-related wrist injuries.
• Patients with wrist instability due to ligament damage.
• Those who have not found relief from physical therapy or medications.
• People with degenerative joint conditions who need minimally invasive treatment.

Why is the Procedure Performed?

Wrist arthroscopy is a procedure used for several important reasons, including:

• Better Diagnosis: This method allows doctors to see inside the wrist directly, helping them assess any problems more accurately.
• Less Invasive Treatment: Instead of making large cuts, arthroscopy uses small openings to fix injuries, which means less damage to the surrounding tissues.
• Quicker Recovery: People usually heal faster after this type of surgery compared to traditional open surgeries.
• Pain Relief: The procedure can help decrease the pain caused by injuries or other conditions affecting the wrist.

Benefits of Arthroscopy Procedures

• Smaller Incisions: A minimally invasive approach reduces scarring.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Less tissue damage leads to a quicker return to normal activities.
• Lower Risk of Complications: In comparison to open surgeries, wrist arthroscopy has fewer risks of infection and stiffness.
• Improved Joint Function: Helps restore wrist movement and reduces pain.

Wrist Arthroscopy Recovery Time

Recovery time is different for each and every patient and depends on severity of the condition but general recovery process includes:

• First Few Days: Swelling and mild discomfort are common; keeping the wrist elevated helps reduce swelling.
• First Few Weeks: Gradual improvement in wrist movement with possible physical therapy.
• 4 to 6 Weeks: Many patients can resume light activities but full recovery may take up to 3 months or more, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment performed.

Complication and Risks

Although wrist arthroscopy is a safe procedure, some risks include:

• Infection: Rare but possible at the incision sites.
• Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Potential but uncommon side effect.
• Stiffness or Weakness: Temporary in most cases but may require therapy.
• Persistent Pain: Some patients may need further treatment for complete relief.

Wrist Arthroscopy Post-Operative Care

• Keep the wrist elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling.
• Follow the doctor’s recommendations on pain management and medication.
• Attend physical therapy sessions to restore wrist function and strength.
• Avoid heavy weight lifting or difficult activities until fully healed.

What Does Wrist Arthroscopy Treat?

There are various conditions that can be diagnosed and treated by using arthroscopy including:

• Ligament injuries, such as TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears.
• Wrist fractures that require joint realignment.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Chronic wrist pain due to arthritis or inflammation.
• Loose cartilage or bone fragments causing discomfort.

Alternative Surgery to Wrist Arthroscopy

For patients who are not suitable candidates for wrist arthroscopy, alternative treatments include:

• Wrist Fusion: A procedure that permanently joins wrist bones to eliminate movement and pain.
• Wrist Replacement: An option for severe arthritis to restore some joint function.
• Cortisone Injections: To mitigate pain and inflammation in the wrist joint.
• Physical Therapy: These are lighter exercise to improve wrist function and reduce pain.

Conclusion

Wrist arthroscopy is a safe and gentle way to look inside the wrist joint for diagnosing and treating different wrist problems. This method involves smaller cuts, which means quicker healing and fewer complications, making it a popular option for people suffering from wrist pain or injuries. If you are dealing with ongoing wrist pain or have trouble moving your wrist then it is a good idea to talk to an orthopedic doctor. They can help you find out if wrist arthroscopy is the right option for you.