A wrist arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into the joint through small incisions. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint and to diagnose and treat problems such as joint inflammation, cartilage damage, or bone spurs. Wrist arthroscopy Chula Vista is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and recovery time varies depending on the specific condition being treated.
What to expect during the procedure
When scheduling a wrist arthroscopy, there are a few things to remember:
First, you will need to schedule an initial consultation with an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the wrist. During this appointment, the surgeon will physically examine your wrist and discuss your medical history, symptoms, and any imaging studies you have had. They will then determine if a wrist arthroscopy is the appropriate course of treatment for you and explain the procedure in more detail.
You will also need to schedule a pre-operative appointment a few weeks before the surgery. During this appointment, you will receive instructions on preparing for the procedure and will be given any necessary prescriptions and forms to fill out.
The surgery date will be scheduled after the initial consultation, pre-operative appointment, and any necessary imaging studies. It is usually done as an outpatient surgery, so you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital, but recovery time varies depending on the specific condition being treated. It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions and guidelines before and after the surgery to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Conditions treatable by wrist arthroscopy
Several conditions can be treated during a wrist arthroscopy, including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in a joint wears down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the affected joint. In the case of the wrist, the cartilage that cushions the bones in the wrist can wear down, leading to Osteoarthritis.
Fractures
A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones that comprise the wrist joint break. The wrist is a complex joint of eight bones, the most common of which are the radius, ulna, and scaphoid. Wrist fractures can occur from various causes, including falling on an outstretched hand, direct wrist trauma, or forcefully twisting the wrist.
Wrist arthroscopy can treat certain types of wrist fractures, especially when the fracture is small or difficult to reach. The surgeon will use small instruments to reposition and stabilize the broken bone. They may also use screws or other hardware to hold the bone in place while it heals.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. In the wrist, tendonitis can occur in the tendons that run along the back of the hand and wrist, such as the extensor tendons or the tendons that attach to the thumb. tendonitis of the wrist can be caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or playing a musical instrument, or by an injury to the wrist.
Wrist arthroscopy can be used to treat tendonitis in the wrist. After the surgery, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and flexibility to the wrist and hand.
Consult your doctor at Ortho 1 Medical Group to learn more about wrist arthroscopy.
