Georgios Panagopoulos MD | Orthopaedic Surgeon
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the diagnosis and treatment of wrist joint pathology, through the use of small incisions and a high definition camera.
Key takeaways at a glance
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for the diagnosis and treatment of wrist pathology.
It can be used when pain persists, or when imaging is inconclusive.
Small incisions, less pain, faster recovery.
TFCC tears, cartilage damage, ligament injury, loose bodies, fracture surgery.
Most patients return very soon to their activities, with a very low complication rate, when performed by an expert surgeon.
Table of contents
What is wrist arthroscopy?
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small high definition camera and small instruments, aimed at diagnosing and treating wrist joint issues through minimal incisions.
Unlike traditional open surgery, arthroscopy can achieve the same or better results with less pain and swelling, as well as a faster recovery.
What are the current indications?
Arthroscopy can be beneficial in the following conditions:
- Injuries - TFCC tears: the TFCC ligament complex is important for stability of the wrist. Tears may be traumatic or degenerative in nature.
- Chronic wrist pain without any specific pathology detected on MRI: if imaging fails to provide a specific reason, the next option is to have a direct look with a camera and intervene accordingly.
- Intraarticular cartilage damage: chondral damage, either traumatic or degenerative, may not be easily seen on MRI.
- Cyst excision or loose body removal.
- Arthroscopic excision of ganglion cysts
- Arthroscopic - assisted fracture surgery, i.e. distal radius fracture, or scaphoid fracture.
Often times, MRI may miss small but clinically relevant wrist lesions. Arthroscopy allows for direct visual inspection and treatment, which bits any imaging modality.
How is arthroscopy performed?
- The surgeon performs small skin incisions (2-3mm).
- A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint.
- High definition images are projected into a screen providing accurate diagnosis.
- Special small instruments are used to repair damage (tissue debridement, ligament repair, loose body removal).
- Skin is closed with sutures or steristrips.
What are the benefits of wrist arthroscopy?
✅ Minimal incisions - better cosmesis
✅ Less postoperative pain
✅ Faster recovery and return to everyday activities
✅ Less chance of significant scarring or adhesions
✅ More accurate diagnosis of joint pathology
What should you expect after the procedure
📌 Immediate postoperative period
- Your wrist will be placed in a brace for a small period of time.
- Pain medication will take care of pain, if any.
- You will need a wound check in 1-2 weeks.
📌 Rehabilitation & physiotherapy
Physiotherapy will start in a few days or weeks, depending on the underlying pathology and the nature of repairs performed.
Goal of recovery:
- Improved range of motion
- Muscle strengthening
- Gradual return to prior activities
Potential complications
Wrist arthroscopy is very safe - risks of any surgery include:
🔸 infection
🔸 bleeding
🔸 nerve irritation / local sensation issues
🔸 pain & stiffness
Early and active communication with your doctor is important to solve these issues.
Wrist arthroscopy is a very safe operation when performed by an expert upper limb surgeon. Hospital stay is short, if any. Most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks.
Wrist arthroscopy is a modern, safe and effective method for diagnosis and treatment of wrist pathology, offering a faster recovery & less pain, as compared with open surgery.
Wrist arthroscopy - key facts
- Medical term: Wrist arthroscopy
- Procedure type: Minimally invasive surgery
- Anatomical region: Wrist joint
- Goal: Diagnosis and treatment of wrist pathology
- Indications: Wrist pain, TFCC tears, chondral injury, loose bodies
- Procedure duration: 30-60 minutes
- Anesthesia: Local, regional or light GA
- Hospital stay: Usually day surgery (no overnight stay)
- Incision size: 2-3mm
- Postoperative pain: Mild to moderate
- Recovery time: 2-6 weeks (depending on underlying pathology)
- Return to normal activities: Gradual, over a few weeks
- Complication rate: Low when performed by an expert surgeon
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Is wrist arthroscopy painful?
Arthroscopy is performed under anaesthetic and it is painless. Postoperatively, pain is typically mild and easily managed with medication.
How long is recovery?
Typically 2-6 weeks depending on the underlying pathology.
Will there be a scar?
Scars are typically very small (<5mm) and they eventually become barely visible.
When can I go back to work / driving?
Depends on various factors - the doctor will give personalized recommendations.
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