Wrist arthroscopy is an innovative procedure that is being used to directly evaluate and visualize the bones, ligaments, articular cartilage and other structures of the wrist, with the purpose of effectively treating the most common problems in this area such as: fractures, loose bodies, lymph nodes, ligament injuries, among others.
The type of approach and the experience of the surgeon when employing this technique is essential to minimize the risks, obtain the desired results and overcome the surgery in the shortest possible time. At the Panama Clinic Orthopedic Center (COPAC), we will provide you with an exclusive medical service from the most prominent specialists in arthroscopic surgery in Panama City.
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique, with which the surgeon can access the inside of the wrist joint through small incisions to observe, diagnose and treat a certain problem, having the opportunity to make the relevant repairs at the time.
Before starting the procedure, the patient receives general anesthesia or regional anesthesia plus a special medication so that they remain totally asleep during the intervention. The doctor then makes a small incision through which the arthroscope (visual scanning device) is inserted, which is connected to a monitor in the operating room.
The arthroscope emits images that allow the surgeon to see in detail what is happening inside the wrist, being able to simultaneously repair or remove any tendon, ligament, ganglion, joint or bone fragment that is affecting the functioning of the wrist; by introducing the arthroscopic instruments through a pair of additional arthroscopic portals.
After the problem has been solved, the incisions are closed with stitches and the area is covered with a sterile bandage. With this technique, it is possible to minimize pain and have a faster recovery compared to open wrist surgery.
Your doctor will most likely recommend wrist arthroscopy if you have:
Pain, swelling, bruising, or clicking in the wrist: Wrist arthroscopy can be used in these cases as an exploratory method to define where the symptoms that affect the patient's joint come from.
Swollen glands: Arthroscopy can remove the node that is causing pain and limiting the mobility of the wrist.
Tearing of one or more ligaments: Ligaments help preserve the stability of the wrist by keeping your bones firmly connected, when these ligaments are torn they must be repaired and surgically re-fixed.
Triangular fibrocartilage complex injury: This important structure can be affected by both natural wear and tear on the body and a traumatic event. Although treatment is usually mostly conservative, some patients with severe injuries may need surgery to repair the damage to internal tissues.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Arthroscopy of the wrist is considered a very convenient technique to enlarge the space through which the median nerve passes, being able to obtain the release of the carpal tunnel in a less invasive way.
Wrist fracture: During a fracture, "loose bodies" (bone fragments) may remain that must be removed to ensure good healing. Wrist arthroscopy may also be used to help with the internal realignment of the wrist bones.
At pre-surgery visits, the specialist will evaluate your medical history, family history, and frequently used medications to be aware of your overall health. You may be asked to stop taking a drug that can slow your healing; as well as the consumption of tobacco and alcoholic beverages days before surgery.
Most of the details of the procedure are addressed in advance in order to clarify the doubts that the patient may have in relation to the development of the surgery, the benefits and risks of it.
In wrist arthroscopy, as in any other surgical event, there is a certain chance that complications will arise from the procedure. In this case, the risks can be:
Allergic reactions to anesthesia or other medications given.
Infection.
Failure to relieve symptoms or repair damage.
Weakness.
Accidentally injuring a tendon, nerve, or blood vessel during surgery.
The price of a wrist arthroscopy varies according to the type of injury the patient experiences; in this sense, it is essential to carry out a prior evaluation to identify the causes of the problem and the extent of the damage to the tissues, in this way we can provide you with a personalized quote. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our specialists!
At the end of the arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon will place a bandage over your wrist to limit your mobility, this makes the recovery period much shorter, since the immobilization gives you the protection and support that the joint needs after surgery.
After the operation, the patient does not require hospitalization and can return home the same day. Home care includes:
Keep the wrist elevated to prevent it from becoming inflamed.
Apply cold compresses to the area at least 5 times a day.
Progressively perform the physiotherapeutic exercises recommended for these cases.
Comply with the rest of the medical indications.
In general, the stitches that close the incisions left by the wrist arthroscopy are usually removed 7 or 10 days after the procedure, this is because sutures that remain for more than 14 days generate less aesthetic scars. As the days go by, the inner layers of the skin will continue to heal progressively without the risk of infection.
The incisions made during wrist arthroscopy are so small that when they heal they leave only minimal marks with a fairly good aesthetic result. But if you are still concerned about the size of your scar, we recommend taking into consideration the great internal repair work that was done through these holes for the benefit of your health.
It is common for surgical interventions to have a different duration that is mainly determined by the complexity of the lesion and the type of approach applied by the specialist; However, wrist arthroscopy is a procedure that does not involve major dissections, so its duration is approximately 40 or 90 minutes.
It is essential that the patient who undergoes wrist arthroscopy is totally asleep, this can be achieved in two ways: with wrist arthroscopy general anesthesia, or failing that, with wrist arthroscopy regional anesthesia to which a sleeping medication is added to make him sleep soundly during the intervention. We advise you to discuss both options with your doctor based on your personal preferences.
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