Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera, as well as miniature surgical tools, to see what’s inside the body. The camera is so small that it can be used to see within a joint. For instance, arthroscopy is often used by orthopedic doctors to examine the wrist.
Patients who have wrist pain and other symptoms that develop over time or occur after an accident may have an internal problem that needs treatment. Through a cutting-edge procedure like wrist arthroscopy, doctors can take a look at what is causing the symptoms and, in some cases, right away make the necessary repairs to the structures.
What Happens During Wrist Arthroscopy?
During the procedure, the surgeon will make small incisions in a few locations around the wrist. Then, they will insert the arthroscope through an incision. At the tip of the arthroscope are the tiny fiber-optic camera and light. The camera transmits images in real-time to a computer monitor. Based on the images, the doctor will be able to diagnose the problem. In many cases, the doctor can make repairs to some types of wrist joint damage. The doctor will use small, pencil-thin surgical tools to carry out the repairs. After completion, the doctor will close the incisions with stitches.
What Can Wrist Arthroscopy Fix?
Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat many conditions. Some of the most common things done through a wrist arthroscopy are:
- Wash out an infection
- Align wrist fractures that involve the cartilage of the wrist joint
- Repair torn cartilage and ligaments
- Remove ganglion cysts
- Remove inflamed tissue or loose bone fragments
- Remove scar tissue buildup around the joint
Sometimes, a different procedure may be necessary to treat the issue that is identified during the arthroscopy. This is because not every wrist problem is best treated with arthroscopy, although it is a great option for those who are eligible for the procedure.
The benefits of wrist arthroscopy include less pain and scarring, a lower infection rate, and a faster recovery. After wrist arthroscopy, the hand will be bandaged or put in a splint. After some recovery, most patients undergo a physical therapy rehabilitation program to help rebuild strength and mobility in the wrist.
To find out if you are a good candidate for a wrist arthroscopy, consult with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in hand surgery for the best possible outcomes from this cutting-edge procedure.
Hand Surgeon in North Dakota
At The Bone & Joint Center, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons — Dr. Duncan B. Ackerman, Dr. Brock A. Norrie, and Dr. Troy D. Pierce — are fellowship-trained in hand surgery and are experts in upper extremity care. We use wrist arthroscopy for purposes of diagnosis and treatment and are highly skilled in this procedure. Moreover, we highly recommend that our patients see one of our licensed hand therapists for their post-surgical rehabilitation. Our goal is always to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We aim to relieve your painful wrist symptoms and restore function, so you can return to the life you love. To schedule a consultation with one of our hand surgeons, call (800) 424-2663 or use our online appointment request form.
