Wrist Arthroscopy Overview

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a variety of wrist injuries and conditions. Wrist tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone abnormalities and injuries are treated and recovery is much shorter than traditional open incision surgery. Wrist pain patients are encouraged to make an appointment with a Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) to receive an official diagnosis and find out if wrist arthroscopy is an appropriate treatment option.

How is wrist arthroscopy performed?

Outpatient wrist arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. A CONA specialist:

Begins surgery. A fiber optic arthroscopic is carefully guided into the wrist joint.

1. Restores the joint. Tiny instruments are used to correct any joint abnormalities.
2. Ends surgery. Removable sutures close the skin. A sterile dressing is placed over the surgical site. A soft dressing and splint are placed on the wrist for protection and immobilization purposes.

Total procedure time depends on the procedure performed. Generally speaking, procedures last 30-90 minutes.

What conditions can total wrist arthroscopy treat?

After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hand specialist may recommend wrist arthroscopy to treat:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
• Chronic wrist pain
• Ganglion cysts
• Ligament tears
• Wrist fractures

In some cases, wrist arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnostic purposes.

What are wrist arthroscopy advantages?

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment option that is recommended when nonsurgical treatment options do not effectively treat a condition or injury. Key advantages include:

• A quick recovery
• Less postoperative pain
• Less surgical trauma

Patients who need physical therapy respond much better to physical therapy protocols than patients who undergo open incision surgery. It should be noted that wrist arthroscopy is not for everyone. Traditional surgery benefits many patients and may be an appropriate treatment option.

What is wrist arthroscopy recovery like?

Wrist arthroscopy recovery depends on the procedure performed. CONA specialists explain every step of the recovery process during consultations before surgery. Detailed instructions are given to patients so they know exactly what to expect.