Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery in Alwarpet, Chennai

Arthroscopy is a surgical, imaging procedure that is commonly used to diagnose and treat joint problems. This procedure is carried out through an instrument called an arthroscope. When this procedure is carried out in your wrist to treat wrist problems, it is known as wrist arthroscopy. To learn more about wrist arthroscopy, search for an “arthroscopy doctor near me” and pay him or her a visit. 

What is wrist arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy is a procedure in which an arthroscope (a thin tube fitted with a camera) is inserted into your wrist through a small incision to diagnose and treat conditions of the joints there. Your wrist has eight bones and many ligaments, making it a complex joint. Your doctor will observe the condition in your wrist through a computer that displays what the camera captures. Sometimes, small surgical instruments are inserted through the arthroscope to perform treatments in your wrist. 

What are the conditions that can be diagnosed and/or treated by a wrist arthroscopy?

Several conditions can be diagnosed and treated through wrist arthroscopy. Some of them are as follows:

• Chronic wrist pain: When other diagnostic tests do not provide enough or clear information on why you have prolonged wrist pain, a wrist arthroscopy will be recommended. Often, chronic wrist pain is caused by inflammation, cartilage damage, an injury to your wrist or for other reasons. 
• Wrist fractures: An injury to your wrist can sometimes result in mild or severe fractures. Small fragments of the bone can settle in your wrist joint. You can have these broken pieces removed and realigned with the broken bone via a wrist arthroscopy. 
• Ganglion cysts: These cysts usually grow from a stalk between two wrist bones. During a wrist arthroscopy, your surgeon will remove this stalk, which may reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Ligament tears: Ligaments are fibrous, connective tissues that link your bones together. They help with stability and support your joints. The TFCC is a cushion in your wrist. Your ligaments and TFCC are liable to tears when a heavy, external force is applied, such as an injury. Following this tear, you will suffer pain and a clicking sensation. Wrist arthroscopy can help repair these tears.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition is characterized by a tingling sensation or numbness in your hand. It can also lead to pain in your arm. It usually occurs due to the pressure applied on a nerve in the carpal tunnel. Pressure on your nerves can build up due to many reasons, including irritation and inflammation of the synovium (a tissue that covers the tendons). If your doctor is not able to treat carpal tunnel syndrome using nonsurgical treatment, wrist arthroscopy is a good option. Your surgeon will cut the ligament roof and widen the tunnel. This will, in turn, reduce the pressure on your nerves.

When do you need to consult a doctor?

Speak to a general physician about the joint condition in your wrist. If your doctor recommends a wrist arthroscopy, you will be referred to an arthroscopic hospital in Alwarpet. 

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Alwarpet, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What happens before the procedure?

Before the wrist arthroscopy, you will:

• Undergo a physical examination of your wrist
• Be asked about your past medical conditions and information
• Undergo tests that locate the pain 
• Undergo imaging tests to capture images of your hand and wrist. These tests may include X-rays, MRI scans or an arthrogram

How is the procedure carried out?

Small incisions, otherwise known as portals, are made on the back of your wrist. The arthroscope and other surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions and the joint is observed and treated through the fitted camera. Following the surgery, the incisions are stitched up and dressed. 

Conclusion

You will have to take proper care of your wrist after an arthroscopy. Keep it elevated and apply an ice pack to relieve pain and inflammation. Follow up with an arthroscopy specialist in Chennai if you have any queries. 

Reference Links

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/wrist-arthroscopy