Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization, diagnosis, and treatment of wrist joint pathologies using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments. Since the wrist is a complex joint with multiple small bones, ligaments, and cartilage structures, arthroscopy provides a precise and less traumatic way to address conditions that previously required open surgery.
Indications for Wrist Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Diagnostic Indications:
- Unexplained chronic wrist pain
- Suspected TFCC tear
- Suspected ligament injury (scapholunate, lunotriquetral)
- Early cartilage lesions
- Assessment before reconstructive surgery
Therapeutic Indications:
- TFCC repair or debridement
- Ligament repair/reconstruction (e.g., scapholunate ligament)
- Removal of loose bodies or synovectomy
- Carpal bone fractures (reduction and fixation)
- Ganglion cyst excision
- Wrist arthrodesis (partial fusion)
- Management of intra-articular distal radius fractures
Clinical Pathway
- You will be seen by the specialist in outpatient department for clinical evaluation.
- You will be asked certain questions related to your symptoms and examined thoroughly.
- Your investigations such as X-ray and MRI will be reviewed, following which a surgical plan of shoulder replacement will be made.
- A detailed explanation will be given to you with regards to surgery along with its pros and cons.
- You will be seen by the anesthetic team
- Your fitness for surgery will be evaluated.
- Investigations including blood tests will be carried out.
- A physical therapist will explain you with regarding to the post op precautions, exercises and immobilization.
- You will be admitted on the day of surgery in the morning. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia.
- You may be given a plaster for few weeks depending on the nature of intervention.
- After surgery, you will be under certain medication to control your post operative pain to make you comfortable.
- You will be discharged the next day with post operative instructions.
- You will be required to see the specialist in outpatient clinic on couple of occasions to assess the recovery. You were expected to recover completely in approximately three to six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the wrist arthroscopic surgery performed?
Following are the surgical steps: Portal creation: Small incisions are made, blunt dissection carried out to joint capsule. Scope insertion: 2.7 mm Arthroscope is introduced through the portal. Joint inspection: Radiocarpal joint, TFCC, interosseous ligaments, cartilage surfaces are visualized. Treatment: Depending on pathology—shaving, debridement, repair (using sutures/anchors), reduction and fixation of fractures, cyst excision, or partial wrist fusion may be done. Closure: Portals are sutured, and sterile dressing is applied.
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What are the advantages of wrist arthroscopy over open surgery?
• Minimally invasive (smaller incisions, less tissue trauma) • Direct visualization of intra-articular structures • More accurate diagnosis of subtle injuries • Faster recovery compared to open surgery • Less postoperative pain and scarring
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What are the probable complications ?
Although generally safe, complications can occur: • Nerve or tendon injury (due to close anatomy of portals) • Infection • Persistent stiffness or pain • Extravasation of irrigation fluid into soft tissues • Incomplete symptom relief
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How is the postoperative care ?
• Splinting for short period depending on procedure • Early controlled mobilization to prevent stiffness • Physiotherapy for range of motion and strengthening • Activity modification and gradual return to sports/work
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What are the chances of success after wrist surgery?
Wrist arthroscopy has shown excellent results for: • TFCC debridement/repair (pain relief, improved function) • Management of intercarpal ligament injuries • Removal of intra-articular loose bodies • Selected cases of distal radius fractures Long-term outcomes are highly dependent on correct patient selection, timely intervention, and rehabilitation. Wrist arthroscopy is a valuable minimally invasive tool for both diagnosis and treatment of various wrist pathologies, especially TFCC and ligament injuries. It allows direct visualization, targeted repair, and quicker recovery compared to open surgery.