Procedure · Wrist
Wrist Arthroscopy
Sports injuries and ligamentous injuries of the wrist occur both from direct trauma and may also occur slowly over time. Identification of specific ligamentous injuries are occasionally further evaluated and treated with the assistance of wrist arthroscopy.
Call our office · (623) 264-3300Why Arthroscopy Is Used
When pain persists despite nonsurgical treatment, arthroscopy allows the wrist joints to be evaluated directly.
Overview
When Wrist Pain Persists
Sports injuries and ligamentous injuries of the wrist occur both from direct trauma and may also occur slowly over time.
Despite nonsurgical treatment options (splinting, over-the-counter medications, etc.), pain may persist over the dorsum (back) or ulnar (opposite side from the thumb) aspect of the wrist.
In certain scenarios, including those immediately after the specific injury or those involving chronic discomfort, advanced imaging such as MRI may be indicated and should be discussed with your physician.
Nonsurgical Options Are Usually Tried First
- Splinting
- Over-the-counter medications
- Advanced imaging such as MRI in certain scenarios
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Where the Pain Tends to Be
Dorsum
The back of the wrist.
Ulnar Aspect
The opposite side from the thumb — the pinky side of the wrist.
The Procedure
How Wrist Arthroscopy Works
Identification of specific ligamentous injuries are occasionally further evaluated and treated with the assistance of wrist arthroscopy.
A Small Camera Is Inserted
During wrist arthroscopy, a small camera would be inserted into the wrist joints.
Damage Is Evaluated
The camera is utilized to evaluate the extent of ligamentous damage.
Treatment Proceeds as Indicated
Thereafter, additional surgical intervention may proceed as indicated.
Diagnostic & Treatment in One Setting
Arthroscopy serves two purposes at once: it allows the wrist joints to be examined directly, and it allows additional surgical intervention to proceed as indicated during the same procedure.
When It Is Considered
Arthroscopy is generally considered when wrist pain persists despite nonsurgical treatment, including splinting and over-the-counter medications, and when a specific ligamentous injury needs further evaluation.
In certain scenarios — including immediately after the specific injury or those involving chronic discomfort — advanced imaging such as MRI may be indicated and should be discussed with your physician.
Risks & Benefits
Outcomes after surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Wrist Pain That Won't Settle?
If pain over the back or pinky side of your wrist persists despite splinting and medication, an evaluation can help determine whether arthroscopy is right for you.
Request an AppointmentCommon Questions
Wrist Arthroscopy FAQs
How do wrist ligament injuries happen?+
Sports injuries and ligamentous injuries of the wrist occur both from direct trauma and may also occur slowly over time.
Where does the pain tend to be?+
Despite nonsurgical treatment options (splinting, over-the-counter medications, etc.), pain may persist over the dorsum (back) or ulnar (opposite side from the thumb) aspect of the wrist.
When is imaging such as MRI considered?+
In certain scenarios, including those immediately after the specific injury or those involving chronic discomfort, advanced imaging such as MRI may be indicated and should be discussed with your physician.
What is wrist arthroscopy?+
Identification of specific ligamentous injuries are occasionally further evaluated and treated with the assistance of wrist arthroscopy. During wrist arthroscopy, a small camera would be inserted into the wrist joints and utilized to evaluate the extent of ligamentous damage. Thereafter, additional surgical intervention may proceed as indicated.
Is arthroscopy always the first step?+
No. Nonsurgical treatment options such as splinting and over-the-counter medications are typically considered first. Arthroscopy is used in certain scenarios when specific ligamentous injuries need further evaluation and treatment.
Learn more about scapholunate ligament injuries and wrist fractures.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Persistent Wrist Pain?
If wrist pain is persisting over the back or pinky side of your wrist despite nonsurgical treatment, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can determine whether further imaging or arthroscopy is appropriate.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.