If you’re dealing with persistent wrist pain, you know how disruptive it can be to your daily life. From simple tasks like getting dressed to activities you love like playing sports or an instrument, an aching wrist can hold you back. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of expert surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area is dedicated to helping you find relief and get back to doing what you love. For many patients, a minimally invasive procedure called wrist arthroscopy is the key to both diagnosing and treating their wrist problems.
So, what exactly is wrist arthroscopy? Think of it as “keyhole surgery” for your wrist. Instead of making a large incision, your surgeon will make a few tiny cuts, about the size of a buttonhole. Through one of these small openings, they will insert an arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. This camera sends a live video feed to a monitor in the operating room, giving your surgeon a clear, magnified view of the inside of your wrist joint.
Through the other small incisions, your surgeon can insert specialized, pencil-thin instruments to explore, diagnose, and even repair a variety of wrist conditions. This minimally invasive approach offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including:
- Less pain after the procedure
- Faster recovery time
- Lower risk of complications
- Minimal scarring
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our board-certified surgeons are highly skilled in wrist arthroscopy and are committed to providing you with the most advanced and effective treatments available. We understand that the thought of surgery can be intimidating, which is why we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to your full recovery.
Why is Wrist Arthroscopy Performed?
There are many reasons why your doctor at California Pacific Orthopaedics might recommend a wrist arthroscopy. In some cases, it’s used as a diagnostic tool to get a definitive answer about what’s causing your wrist pain when other tests, like X-rays or MRIs, haven’t provided a clear picture. By looking inside the joint, your surgeon can identify the exact source of the problem.
More often, however, wrist arthroscopy is used to both diagnose and treat a condition in the same procedure. Some of the most common reasons for performing a wrist arthroscopy include:
- Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Wrist Pain: If you’ve been dealing with wrist pain for months without a clear diagnosis, an arthroscopy can help your surgeon figure out what’s wrong and, in many cases, treat it on the spot.
- Repairing Ligament Tears: The wrist is a complex joint with many ligaments that can be torn during a fall or other injury. Wrist arthroscopy allows your surgeon to precisely repair these tears, restoring stability to your wrist. One of the most common ligament injuries is to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), a structure that helps to cushion and support the wrist.
- Treating Wrist Fractures: After a wrist fracture, small pieces of bone can sometimes break off and get stuck in the joint. Arthroscopy can be used to remove these fragments and ensure the bones are properly aligned for healing.
- Removing Ganglion Cysts: These are non-cancerous lumps that can form on the wrist. If they’re causing you pain or limiting your movement, your surgeon can remove them using arthroscopic techniques.
- Treating Arthritis: For some types of wrist arthritis, arthroscopy can be used to remove inflamed tissue and smooth out damaged cartilage, which can help to reduce pain and improve function.
If you’re experiencing any of the above conditions, or if you’re simply tired of living with wrist pain, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at California Pacific Orthopaedics. We’ll work with you to determine if wrist arthroscopy is the right treatment option for you.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Your Procedure
Undergoing any type of surgery can be a stressful experience, but at California Pacific Orthopaedics, we’re committed to making your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect before, during, and after a wrist arthroscopy.
Before the Procedure
Before your surgery, you’ll have a thorough consultation with your surgeon at our San Francisco office. We’ll review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and answer any questions you may have. You may also need to undergo some pre-operative tests, such as blood work or an EKG, to ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery.
You’ll be given specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure, including when to stop eating and drinking, and which medications to take or avoid. It’s also a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out around the house for a few days.
During the Procedure
Wrist arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be able to go home the same day. The surgery is usually performed under MAC or generalanesthesia.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make a few small incisions on the back of your wrist. They will then insert the arthroscope and other small instruments to perform the necessary repairs. The entire procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition.
After the Procedure
After your surgery, you’ll spend a short time in the recovery room before being discharged. Your wrist will be wrapped in a post-operative splint and you may be given a sling.
It’s normal to experience some pain and swelling after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and by keeping your wrist elevated. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can resume your normal activities.
Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Your surgeon may also recommend hand therapy to help you regain strength and range of motion in your wrist.
Take the Next Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
If you’re ready to put an end to your wrist pain, the team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is here to help. Our experienced and compassionate surgeons are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how wrist arthroscopy can help you get back to living your life to the fullest.
