Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy is a medical procedure that examines or repairs the tissues inside or around your wrist using a tiny camera called an arthroscope and surgical instruments. 

It works especially well for assessing and treating sports-related injuries such as tendinitis, fractures, cartilage damage, and ligament tears. Abrupt trauma, repetitive actions, or high-impact activities frequently bring on these injuries.

The main advantage of wrist arthroscopy over standard surgery is its capacity to repair injuries with smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue damage. This leads to a faster recovery, less scarring, and a decreased chance of infection.

Conditions Treated With Wrist Arthroscopy

1. Chronic Wrist Pain

When the findings of other testing fail to identify the source of persistent wrist pain, arthroscopic exploratory surgery may be employed. Cartilage damage, inflammatory areas, or other discoveries may frequently explain the pain. Following a diagnosis, the problem may occasionally be addressed arthroscopically, potentially even during the same treatment.

2. Wrist Fractures

When a bone fractures, little pieces of bone may remain inside the joint. The shattered bits of bone can be aligned, and these fragments can be removed by wrist arthroscopy. After that, pins, wires, screws, plates, etc. are used to support the bone.

3. Ganglion Cysts

Typically, ganglion cysts emerge from the joint from a stalk that connects two wrist bones. During arthroscopy, the cyst and/or its stalk are frequently seen and removed, removing the cyst.

4. Ligament/Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears

The fibrous bands of connective tissue that bind bones together are called ligaments. They give the joints support and stability. One component that stabilises and cushions the wrist is the TFCC. Wrist ligaments, including the TFCC, can be injured or torn by a fall on an outstretched hand (for example, when playing sports or slipping on an icy surface). Clicking and/or wrist pain may result, particularly when exercising. TFCC and other wrist ligament injuries can be diagnosed and treated with arthroscopic surgery.

Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery Procedure

Preparation For Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery

• Inform your surgeon about the medications you use. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbs.
• You could be urged to cease taking blood thinners for a while. Aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and other medications are among them.
• Find out from your surgeon which medications you should continue taking on the day of the procedure.
• If you suffer from diabetes, heart disease, or other illnesses, your surgeon will request that you see your physician who treats these disorders.
• If you have consumed more than one or two drinks daily, let your healthcare physician know.
• Try to quit smoking if you do. You can ask your nurse or provider for assistance. Smoking slows the healing of wounds and bones.
• Any cold, flu, fever, herpes outbreak, or other ailment should be reported to your surgeon. If you do become ill, your procedure could have to be rescheduled.

Day of the Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery

• Before the surgery, abide by the directions for when to stop eating and drinking.
• When taking any medication, take a tiny sip of water first.
• Observe the hospital's arrival time guidelines. Be on time.

After The Wrist Arthroscopy Procedure

• Keep your wrist over your heart for two to three days to help with pain and swelling. A cold pack can also reduce swelling.
• Make sure your bandage is dry and clean. Observe the directions for changing the dressing.
• If your doctor agrees it's safe, you can take painkillers.
• You might need to wear a splint for at least one to two weeks to keep the wrist stable as it heals. 

Risks Associated With Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery

Anaesthesia and surgery, in general, carry the following risks:

• Drug-related allergic responses
• Issues with breathing
• An infection, blood clot, or bleeding

Risks of wrist arthroscopy are:

• Surgery's inability to alleviate symptoms
• Inability of the repair to heal
• Wrist weakness
• Damage to a nerve, blood artery, or tendon 

Recovery After the Wrist Arthroscopy Surgery Procedure

• Following the procedure, the patient will be kept under observation in a recovery room until the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. 
• To aid in healing, the wrist will be immobilised. A brace or splint will be used for a few days. 
• The patient may have some wrist pain and swelling, which can be controlled with ice and painkillers. 
• The patient will also be instructed to keep their wrist up to lessen swelling.
• Depending on the problem's severity and the treatment's difficulty, the patient may require physical therapy to restore full wrist range of motion and strength.

Why Choose Nanavati Max Hospital in Mumbai For Wrist Arthroscopy & Sports Injuries?

Nanavati Max Hospital is the ideal choice for wrist arthroscopy and sports injuries. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons specialise in minimally invasive procedures. Our advanced techniques enable faster recovery and reduced pain, allowing patients to return to their sport quickly.

We provide comprehensive rehabilitation and personalised post-surgery care tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring optimal recovery. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools ensure accurate injury assessments and precise treatment planning. Trust Nanavati Max Hospital for expert care and exceptional outcomes in wrist arthroscopy and sports injury treatment.

Outlook

Wrist arthroscopy is a developing and exciting area of orthopaedic surgery, which offers substantial improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of a range of wrist disorders with little damage to the surrounding tissues. Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment that allows surgeons to see and treat conditions, including ligament tears, cartilage damage, or persistent wrist pain, by making tiny incisions and using a tiny camera to see the joint. Wrist arthroscopy has a promising future as technological developments increase the procedure's accuracy and efficacy. Many people choose wrist arthroscopy because it allows them to return to everyday activities more quickly, recover from surgery quickly, and experience less discomfort afterwards. The procedure's use is anticipated to increase as methods and knowledge grow, providing increasingly more potent remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is wrist arthroscopy, and how is it different from traditional surgery?

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat wrist joint problems. Unlike traditional surgery, it involves less tissue disruption, leading to quicker recovery and reduced pain.

2. Can sports injuries be treated with wrist arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy can treat various sports injuries such as ligament tears, fractures, cartilage damage, tendon injuries, and joint instability.

3. Who can perform wrist arthroscopy?

A specialised orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine or hand and wrist surgery treatment typically performs wrist arthroscopy.

4. Is wrist arthroscopy safe?

Yes, wrist arthroscopy is generally considered safe, with minimal risks when performed by a skilled surgeon. Complications are rare.

5. Will I need physical therapy after wrist arthroscopy?

Yes, physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength, mobility, and flexibility in the wrist after arthroscopy.