What is a Wrist Arthroscopy?
A wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a surgeon to see the inside of a joint. It is typically performed after the joint has sustained an injury, such as a fall or twist of the wrist and is experiencing pain, clicks or swelling.
Causes for a Wrist Arthroscopy
Besides being used to diagnose wrist ligament or cartilage tears, a wrist arthroscopy can also be used to:
- Align fractures of the wrist
- Remove ganglions of the wrist
- Excision of loose or foreign bodies
- Remove excess joint lining, often associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What to Expect in a Wrist Arthroscopy
During a wrist arthroscopy, a small camera is placed through a small cut in the skin into the back of the wrist. Several small cuts are used to allow your provider to place the camera in several positions to see the cartilage of each bone, ligaments, and joint lining.
This procedure allows your provider to be able to see the ligaments and cartilage surfaces of the wrist. From there, they can determine whether the ligament has a good blood supply and can be repaired, or a not good supply and need to be removed.
Following your procedure, your wrist will be placed in a brace or bandage to prevent wrist motion. For the first 2 to 3 days following surgery, you should keep the wrist elevated, clean and dry. It is important to follow instructions from your provider to ensure proper healing and prevent risk. Your provider will then discuss next steps depending on the findings of the arthroscopy.
Risks of a Wrist Arthroscopy
Although the risks from this procedure are uncommon, a wrist arthroscopy can still carry risks like:
- Infection
- Damage to nerves, tendons, or cartilage
- Stiffness or loss of joint motion
- Excessive swelling
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Tendon tearing