Wrist arthroscopy is a detailed procedure that allows hand specialists, like ourselves, to perform a thorough assessment of the hand and wrist, diagnosing the condition with certainty, and performing and providing patients with the correct and most appropriate form of treatment.
A surgical procedure most commonly used to identify a fractured scaphoid, wrist arthroscopy is also a form of assessment that allows us to assess the severity of injury to the scapholunate ligament, as well as cartilage damage.
In this post, we look at arthroscopic wrist surgery, what it is, and how it helps ensure the right treatment for certain hand conditions.
Please remember: if you’re experiencing or suffering from any pain or discomfort in your hand or wrist, talk to a member of our team today and book your consultation with our hand specialist.
Wrist arthroscopy definition
A surgical procedure that we use to diagnose and treat problems inside the joints of the hands and wrist.
This procedure involves inserting a small-sized telescope into the wrist joint in order to see the inside of the joint.
The arthroscope consists of a small lens, a miniature camera, and a lighting system.
Wrist arthroscopy is keyhole surgery that requires no large incisions. A small camera, known as an arthroscope, allows us to examine the inside of the wrist joint, assess the condition, identify any problems, and provide the appropriate treatment plan.
If treatment for scaphoid fractures can be performed at this point, additional small incisions will be made to allow probes, grasps, and shavers to be inserted and used to treat the identified problem.
This form of arthroscopic hand surgery allows for a range of hand conditions to be treated; for example, it can be used for debridement (cleaning of the inside of the joint) and TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) repairs.
Arthroscopic hand surgery
This type of hand surgery is often performed under general anaesthetic, or it can also be performed with a regional nerve block, which numbs all sensation in the hand and wrist, where the patient is awake throughout the procedure.
Small incisions are then made to carry out the assessment and, where necessary, the treatment, with these incisions closed using steristrips, followed by the hand being covered with a secure dressing.
This type of assessment can be used to diagnose and treat:
- Chronic wrist pain
- Ganglion cysts
- Ligament tears
- Wrist fractures
We carry out thorough, detailed physical examinations, taking a complete medical history, and x-rays and MRI scans if more complex information about the hands, nerves, and tendons is required.
Wrist arthroscopy recovery period
Dressings are typically removed 10 to 14 days after surgery, after which the patient will begin their programme of exercise and physiotherapy.
It is recommended that you do not drive for 2 weeks post-surgery.
Full recovery can be expected between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on the treatment and the patient.
Benefits of wrist arthroscopy
The small camera and surgical tools can be used to examine and repair conditions in the wrist, avoiding larger cuts being made/necessary.
Keyhole surgery is less painful, and recovery time is found to be much quicker.
This form of hand and wrist assessment can be used to inspect cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
It can be used as an assessment and treatment option for carpal tunnel release and arthritis.
Most patients can return home the same day as their surgery.
It is a minimally invasive surgery in which the hand specialist makes only a small incision in the wrist joint.
The camera projects images onto a larger screen in the surgical room, allowing the hand specialist an opportunity to thoroughly examine joints in detail and diagnose any problems with an extra degree of certainty.
Wrist arthroscopy is safer, offers patients a faster recovery time, causes less pain and swelling in the hand and surrounding joints, and reduces damage to surrounding soft tissue.
Treatment for scaphoid fractures
At Ladan Hajipour, we specialise in conditions relating to the hand, wrist, and fingers. We understand the intricate nature of the hand and the complex makeup of all bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and soft tissue.
We also know that when conditions begin to affect the hand, they also begin to affect your everyday activities, which leads to the condition affecting your well-being and mental health.
That’s why, if you’re experiencing any form of hand or wrist pain, you have fallen and damaged the most common part of your hand, resulting in the need for scaphoid fracture surgery, followed by scaphoid fracture treatment. Make sure to call our specialist team today.
On hand to help you when you need us most, we offer tailored treatment plans and treatment options to suit your requirements.
Book your appointment and talk through your condition and symptoms with one of our specialists.
Call 0808 101 0337.