If you've been dealing with lingering wrist pain, stiffness, or a sudden loss of strength that’s affecting your daily activities, you might wonder if there’s a solution beyond rest and painkillers. For many, wrist arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive way to address the underlying issue. Discover how this advanced procedure can help restore function and improve your quality of life.
What Is Wrist Arthroscopy?
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various wrist conditions, including tears in ligaments or cartilage. By using small incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope, doctors can access the intricate structures of the wrist with precision and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.
Signs You May Need Wrist Arthroscopy
- Chronic wrist pain that doesn’t improve with physical therapy or medication.
- Clicking, popping, or locking sensations during wrist movement.
- Wrist weakness or instability.
- Wrist injuries or trauma that hasn’t fully healed, such as sprains or fractures.
These symptoms could indicate ligament or cartilage damage, which may benefit from an arthroscopic evaluation and repair.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is favored for its minimally invasive approach, which leads to several patient benefits:
- Reduced pain and faster recovery, allowing patients to resume normal activities sooner.
- Greater precision in treating small, delicate structures within the wrist, especially for complex ligament and cartilage repairs.
- Smaller incisions and less scarring, resulting in a more cosmetically pleasing outcome.
This approach is ideal for addressing ligament tears, cartilage injuries, and even certain types of fractures, with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.
What to Expect During and After Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. After making small incisions, the surgeon inserts the arthroscope to assess the damage and perform necessary repairs. Recovery time varies but is generally quicker than traditional surgery, with many patients returning to light activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility.
If persistent hand and wrist pain is impacting your daily life and hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, it may be time to explore advanced options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shrounder-Henry to determine if wrist arthroscopy is the right solution for you. A recognized leader in his field, Dr. Shrouder-Henry was prominently featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) in June 2021 for his groundbreaking article on wrist arthroscopy.
AUTHOR: Dr. Jason Shrouder-Henry is a Board Certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder throughout Chicagoland.