Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique. Small incisions are made on the wrist and a small tube with a tiny video camera lens on the end is placed into the wrist joint. It can be used to look at the cartilage and ligaments of the wrist to help diagnose the source of pain or clicking. Additional small incisions can be made to place special arthroscopic surgical instruments into the wrist that can be used to shave out damaged or inflamed tissues, and sometimes even repair a torn ligament like the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).
At Novant Health, our hand and wrist surgeons provide personalized, patient-centered care for a wide range of wrist conditions.
When surgery may be the best option
Your hand and wrist specialist may recommend wrist arthroscopy if:
- Wrist pain or swelling does not improve with medications, bracing, injections or hand therapy
- You have ongoing pain, catching or weakness after a wrist injury, such as a fall or sprain
- Imaging suggests cartilage damage, loose bodies, Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC), a scapholunate ligament injury, or early wrist arthritis that may benefit from arthroscopic treatment
- The cause of your wrist pain is not clear and a closer look inside the joint can help confirm the diagnosis
Your specialist will review your medical history, examine your wrist and talk with you about your activity level and goals to determine whether arthroscopy or another treatment is right for you.
What happens during wrist arthroscopy?
Wrist arthroscopy is usually an outpatient procedure, where you go home the same day. Your surgeon makes a few small incisions around the wrist and inserts a pencil-sized camera to view the joint. Small instruments are then used through other portals to treat damaged tissue as needed. Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it typically limits disruption to surrounding tissues, which may mean smaller scars and a smoother early recovery compared with traditional open surgery in appropriate cases.
Recovery expectations
Recovery depends on what was done during your procedure. You may wear a splint or soft dressing to protect your wrist while the incisions and repaired tissues heal. Some temporary soreness and stiffness are common. Our certified hand therapists will guide you through a personalized rehabilitation plan focused on swelling control, scar care, gentle motion and progressive strengthening. Many patients return to light daily activities fairly quickly and continue to improve strength and function over several weeks to months, depending on the extent of their injury and repair.
Take the next step
Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.