Wrist arthroscopy is a medical procedure that employs a small camera and surgical equipment to inspect or repair the tissues on or near your wrist. The camera is known as an arthroscope. The method enables your surgeon to spot issues and restore the wrist without making bigger cuts into the skin and tissue. This means that you could experience less pain while healing faster than with open surgery.
What are wrist disorders?
Tendinitis,
Trigger finger,
Ganglion cyst,
Broken twist,
Carpal tunnel,
Osteoarthritis etc.
Wrist disorder symptoms
Pain is a common indication of wrist problems. The pain could be acute, mild, agonizing, or throbbing. It can happen at rest or during activities that require wrist mobility.
Swelling around the wrist joint may occur because of inflammation, injury, or arthritis. Swelling can lead to stiffness and a reduced range of motion.
Wrist stiffness makes it difficult to move the joint freely. It may be most obvious in the morning or following periods of inactivity.
Wrist diseases can cause weakness, making it difficult to grip things or do tasks that need wrist strength.
Certain diseases, such as ligament injuries or dislocations, can result in wrist instability. This may cause a sensation of the joint being unable to support weight effectively.
Wrist diseases can limit your ability to flex, extend, or rotate your wrist. This reduction in range of motion can interfere with regular tasks.
Visible deformities may exist, particularly following injuries such as fractures or dislocations. Deformities may also relate to some joint illnesses.
Why is the procedure performed?
Wrist arthroscopy allows doctors to see the components inside the wrist joint directly. It aids in the diagnosis of ligament tears, cartilage damage, joint instability, and other problems.
Ligaments are tight bands of tissue that link bones and stabilize joints. Wrist arthroscopy can be performed to repair or reconstruct injured ligaments, particularly when they are torn or unstable.
Small particles of bone or cartilage may break off and float within the joint area. These loose bodies can cause discomfort, edema, and restricted joint movement.
Articular cartilage protects the ends of bones in the joint, allowing for smooth movement. Injuries or abnormalities in the cartilage can contribute to pain and joint dysfunction. Wrist arthroscopy can be used to treat cartilage lesions by debridement or more advanced treatments such as microfracture or cartilage transplantation.
Wrist arthroscopy can help diagnose and treat certain forms of wrist fractures, particularly those that affect the joint surface.
What is wrist fixation?
Wrist fixation refers to the surgical or medical procedures undertaken to stabilize and immobilize the bones and structures within the wrist joint. This may be necessary in various situations, such as fractures, ligament injuries, or other conditions that require support and healing.
Wrist arthroscopy advantages
Arthroscopy provides diverse benefits, including the ability to detect and treat several wrist problems in a single treatment.
Instead of making a huge incision, the arthroscope and smaller equipment are introduced through a small cut.
Complications are less common with arthroscopy than open surgery.
Patients have decreased pain and joint stiffness.
Reduced recuperation time.
Diagnosis
By applying methods such as X-ray, ultrasound, and arthrography, the problem in the patient’s wrist can be diagnosed. The doctor makes the best decision.
Before wrist arthroscopy
Tell your surgeon about the medications you are taking. This covers drugs, vitamins, and herbs purchased without a prescription.
You may be instructed to temporarily discontinue using blood thinners.
Ask your surgeon which medications you should continue to take on the day of surgery.
If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical concerns, your surgeon will advise you to consult your doctor.
If you smoke, you should stop. Consult your provider or nurse for assistance. Smoking can impede the healing of wounds and bones.
Wrist arthroscopy recovery
Following the surgery, you will be wrapped in a bandage that may restrict wrist motion. This will protect the region and alleviate pain. Arthroscopy does not necessitate an overnight hospital stay. Fingers should move easily, and finger movement is frequently encouraged to reduce swelling and stiffness. Your surgeon will give you advice on wound care, treatment, safe activities, and any job or activity restrictions. Elevating the wrist helps to avoid swelling and pain following wrist surgery.
What not to do after wrist surgery?
During the healing process, wear the appropriate braces (if prescribed by your surgeon.) You should also avoid overusing your wrist or manipulating it in ways that your surgeon has directed you not to. This can cause more harm to the wrist, prolonging your recuperation.
How long is an arthroscopy procedure?
It depends on the conditions of a patient but on average, it takes from 45 minutes to 1 hour.