Wrist Arthroscopy Montgomery, AL | Wrist Arthritis Treatment Prattville, AL

What is Wrist Arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to view, diagnose and treat problems of your wrist joint.

Indications of Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy may be necessary to help in diagnosing:

Stiffness
Unexplained pain
Swelling
Giving way or popping of the joint

Wrist arthroscopy is also used to treat conditions such as:

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears
Arthritis
Chronic wrist pain
Wrist fractures
Ligament tears
Ganglion cysts

Wrist Arthroscopy Procedure

Wrist arthroscopy is usually performed under general or regional anesthesia.

Your doctor will make several small incisions, known as portals, on the back of your wrist. The portals are placed in specific locations on the wrist depending on the areas that need to be visualized. The arthroscope and special surgical instruments are inserted into your wrist through these portals. The arthroscope is a thin tube with a camera, lens and light source. Your doctor will be guided by the images relayed from the arthroscope onto a video monitor throughout your procedure. Your doctor will perform any necessary debridement or repairs depending on your problem.

After the procedure, the portals are closed and a dressing is applied. You may be instructed to wear a splint for a short time after the procedure.

Postoperative Care following Wrist Arthroscopy

Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart for the first 2 to 3 days after your procedure. Keep your bandage clean, dry and intact. You may apply ice over the operated area to reduce swelling and discomfort. You will be instructed on special exercises to regain strength and mobility of your wrist. You will be prescribed pain medications to relieve any pain.

Advantages of Wrist Arthroscopy

Recovery following wrist arthroscopy is generally more comfortable than after an open surgery which requires a larger incision. There is usually less pain following the procedure and the healing time is faster when compared to an open procedure. Wrist arthroscopy is performed as a day surgery where you can go home within several hours after the surgery.

Risks and Complications of Wrist Arthroscopy

Complications are rare with wrist arthroscopy. However, some of the possible complications that can occur include scarring, bleeding, swelling, infection, numbness and injury to adjoining structures.