Information about arthroscopic wrist surgery
In a wrist arthroscopy, it’s possible to see directly inside the joint without having to open it, thanks to the help of a tiny camera. The only incisions (called portals) required are in the skin and these are only about 5-6 millimeters long.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Doctor-Patient Relationship
In order for the patient to recover quickly and successfully, multidisciplinary work and direct communication between the patient and their doctor are essential.
Type of Anesthesia: Localized
In an arthroscopic procedure, you will only lose feeling in the effected area. That is to say, only in the arm that is having the surgical procedure done.
Procedure
Once your arm has been anesthetized, the arthroscope is inserted into the wrist through a small incision and the surgery is performed.
Post-Operative
Your hospital stay will be short (most patients leave the same day) and recovery time is much faster than with traditional surgery.
What is an arthroscopic wrist surgery?
Wrist arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that requires the use of smaller materials than those used in larger joints such as the shoulder and knee. The lens (camera) used measures only 2.7 millimetres long.
This procedure is an enormous advancement in both the treatment and understanding of various injuries. By using the arthroscopic technique in the wrist joint, the following injuries can be treated:
- Osteochondral Tears (tears in the joint cartilage)
- Synovitis (Inflamation of the joint lining)
- Synovial Cysts
- Triangular Fibrocartilage Tears (TFCCs)
- Ligament Injuries (most commonly the scapholunate ligament)
- Wrist Fractures
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Arthroscopic wrist surgery:
- Is a minimally invasive technique, so it has the great advantage that hospital stays are shorter (usually leaving on the same day) and recovery times are much faster.
- Additionally, because only small incisions have to be made, the aesthetic result (appearance of scars) is not only much better, stiffness after surgery is very low.
See also: Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery, Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery, and Arthroscopic Knee Surgery.
VIDEO AND IMAGES ABOUT ATHROSCOPIC WRIST SURGERY
DISCOVER OUR IMAGES RELATED TO HAND AND WRIST ARTHROSCOPY:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is an arthroscopic wrist surgery performed?
Once the patient has been anesthetized, the arthroscope is inserted into the wrist through a small incision. The arthroscope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to see inside the wrist.
Next the surgeon inspects all the tissues in the wrist, including bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
The next step is the repair of any tissue that is damaged. To do this, the surgeon will make two to four small incisions through which they will introduce other precise instruments for the procedure.
Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures (stitches) and covered with a dressing or bandage.
What is the recovery like after surgery?
Usually the patient can go home the same day after spending a few hours in the recovery room.
Once at home, you must follow the following instructions:
- Keep your wrist elevated above the level of your heart for two to three days in order to help reduce pain and swelling. It’s also helpful to apply cold compresses to help reduce inflammation. Perform the exercises indicated by the doctor.
- Keep your bandage clean and dry.
- Take painkillers as prescribed by the doctor. Don’t exceed recommended doses.
- Wear your splint for as long as your doctor recommends (usually 1 to 2 weeks).
What are the post-operative procedures I should be aware of?
Post-operative effects of an arthroscopic surgery. when compared with a traditional (open) operation, are
- A lower rate of pain and stiffness
- Faster recovery times
- A return to normal activity sooner (usually in just a few weeks, as small cuts tend to heal quickly). Recovery time may vary depending on the type of injury treated.
It is essential to carry out gentle hand and finger exercises and to start an adequate rehabilitation program immediately in order to:
- Improve muscle tone and progressive strength gain of the muscles that are involved in the procedure and optimal recovery of joint mobility in the operated joint.
- Reduce pain and swelling after the procedure.
- Optimal healing and closure of the surgical wound.
What are the possible complications from an arthroscopic wrist surgery?
In general, arthroscopic wrist surgery is a safe technique with any complications being mild and temporary, including:
- Pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint: This is usually caused by excessive strain and is usually temporary.
- Nerve Damage: This is a complication related either to the location of the surgical incision or to the stitching of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex and usually it affects the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve which means that you feel tingling or numbing in the back of your hand.
- ECU Tendinitis (tendon inflammation): This can be related to the location of the incision or to the suture knot after a repair of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFC).
- Tendon Injury: Typically caused by improper incision location.
- Infection
- Stiffness in the wrist
REFERENCES
Principles of arthroscopy and wrist arthroscopy equipment.
Ekman EF, Poehling GG. Hand Clin. 1994 Nov;10(4):557-66. Review. PMID:7868623
Why do we use arthroscopy for distal radius fractures?
Ardouin L, Durand A, Gay A, Leroy M. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Jun 19. doi: 10.1007/s00590-018-2263-2. [Epub ahead of print] Review.PMID:29922980
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