Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery in Sadashiv Peth, Pune

Wrist arthroscopy is a surgery wherein various problems in the wrist can be diagnosed and treated.

What is Wrist Arthroscopy?

In a wrist arthroscopy, a device called an arthroscope is inserted in the wrist joint to examine in and around the joint and diagnose various conditions such as wrist fractures, ligament tears, chronic wrist pain, or ganglion cysts.

Why is Wrist Arthroscopy Done?

Typically, wrist arthroscopy is done when the reason behind wrist pain isn’t clear or if it continues despite several months of nonsurgical treatment. Apart from diagnosis, arthroscopy can also be used to treat several wrist problems such as -

• Wrist fractures - Sometimes, when a fracture occurs, little bone fragments may remain within the joint. In wrist arthroscopy, these fragments can be removed and the broken bone pieces can be realigned. Screws, plates, or rods may be used to stabilize the bone.
• Ligament tears - The ligament or the TFCC can get torn due to a bad fall or injury. This can cause pain or a clicking sensation during movement. These tears can be repaired during wrist arthroscopy.
• Chronic wrist pain - If a person is suffering from chronic wrist pain and other tests don't provide a clear reason, wrist arthroscopy may be performed as exploratory surgery. It may be due to cartilage damage, inflammation, or an injury. In some cases, the condition can be treated during arthroscopy itself.
• Ganglion cysts - Ganglion cysts develop from a stalk that runs between two wrist bones. This stalk can be removed during wrist arthroscopy. With this, the chance of ganglion cysts recurring gets reduced.
• Carpal tunnel release - Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition wherein due to pressure on the nerve passing through the carpal tunnel, there is tingling or numbness in the hand, along with pain. This condition can be treated by a wrist arthroscopy.

How is Wrist Arthroscopy Done?

In wrist arthroscopy, the surgeon makes an incision on the back of the hand where the wrist joint is. Through this incision, an arthroscope is inserted. An arthroscope is a device that consists of a camera that is attached to one end of a narrow tube. Through this camera, the surgeon can view the projected image on a screen. Once the surgeon has looked in and around the wrist joint and the problem has been identified, the surgeon will make other small incisions to insert special instruments to treat or repair the problem.

What Happens After Wrist Arthroscopy?

After wrist arthroscopy, a bandage is tied around the wrist to prevent motion. This helps to protect the region while also providing pain relief. In most cases, patients can go home on the same day as their surgery. They should also be able to move their fingers. Your doctor will advise you to move your fingers so that swelling and stiffness can be prevented. They will also instruct you on how to take care of the wound, perform physical therapy and which activities you can safely perform, and which activities to avoid. Patients should also keep their wrists elevated so that pain and swelling can be avoided.

What are the Complications Associated with Wrist Arthroscopy?

In most cases, there aren't complications that may arise after wrist arthroscopy. However, as with any surgery, some complications may occur such as bleeding, tendon tearing, infection, excessive swelling, nerve or blood vessel damage, or scarring.

Conclusion

The outlook after wrist arthroscopy is very good. Since it is less invasive, the patient may experience less stiffness and pain during recovery as well as recover faster with fewer complications. Most patients can resume their daily activities within a few days of their surgery.