The wrist is an important joint that many people don’t blink an eye at until an issue arises, but that leads to ongoing hand and wrist pain, and even the need for wrist surgery, hand surgery, or even physical therapy. If pain in your wrist and hand has overtaken your life, it’s time to speak with an experienced sports medicine professional at OrthoBethesda. We can diagnose your wrist conditions and determine the best course of action, including an appointment with orthopedic surgeons.
Wrist Arthroscopy
There are many different injuries that can have an impact on your wrist. The wrist is comprised of eight bones known as the carpal bones. The wrist is also made up of ligaments and tendons. Some of the conditions patients develop in their wrist include rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, and other problems.
If wrist arthroscopy surgery is recommended to resolve wrist pain, you will be informed of the procedure and what to expect once it has been completed. This type of surgery is considered minimally invasive and can be done as an outpatient procedure. Wrist arthroscopy is used to not only diagnose issues with the hand and wrist but also resolve the wrist conditions.
The device used for this type of surgery is known as an arthroscope. This is a thin tube that has a camera and a light attached to the end of it. The device is inserted into your wrist via small incisions made by the surgeon at our Northern Virginia orthopedic hospital.
Once the arthroscope is inserted into your wrist, the specialist will be able to view images of the interior of the wrist that are displayed on a screen. These images make it easier for the specialist to see the damage to the wrist so he or she can help patients with their medical care.
Hand and Wrist Conditions and Symptoms Treated by Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy might be suggested by our surgeon if you visit OrthoBethesda complaining of injuries involving arthritis, pain, or any other orthopedic issue. The symptoms arthroscopic surgeons can diagnose include the following:
- Unexplained pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Lack of mobility
- Clicking or popping of the joint
- The joint that gives way or becomes misshapen
An arthroscopy surgeon might recommend this minimally invasive procedure with small incisions to resolve any of the following elbow, wrist, arthritis, or hand problems:
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic wrist pain
- Wrist fractures
- Tears to the ligament
- Ganglion cysts
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
The Procedure for Wrist Arthroscopy
When you schedule an appointment for hand and wrist surgery or hand surgery at OrthoBethesda, it is often due to conservative treatment methods not relieving you of your pain. The surgery will take place as follows for trigger finger and hand and wrist problems:
- You will be administered regional anesthesia
- If needed, a sedative might be issued to help you remain calm
- One to two small incisions are made on the back of the wrist
- The arthroscope is inserted into the incisions
- Necessary repairs based on the images provided are made by the surgeon
- The incisions are closed using stitches
- A bandage is applied to the wrist
- You might have to wear a splint for a brief period following the surgery for proper medical care
Recovering from Orthopedic Surgery in Arlington
Since wrist arthroscopy surgery is not as invasive as open wrist surgery, you will not require months to recover from the orthopedic procedure at our Arlington Virginia center. Recovery time typically lasts around four weeks for this type of orthopedic surgical procedure. Another benefit of this surgical procedure is that most patients can return to their Virginia home just a few hours after it is complete.
Be sure to follow the post-surgical care instructions provided by a doctor in our office:
- The hand must be elevated above the heart for two or three days
- Make sure the bandage on the hand is dry, clean, and properly secured
- You can reduce swelling and discomfort by applying ice
- Take any medications prescribed by the doctor according to instructions
- Use the exercises you are taught prior to discharge to help regain strength and mobility following surgery wrist procedure
As with any type of orthopedic surgical procedure for the hand, there are risks associated with this method, including the following:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Infection
- Numbness
- Scarring
- Injury to adjoining structures
Schedule an Appointment at OrthoBethesda Today
The experienced and trusted orthopedic team at OrthoBethesda in Virginia understands how challenging life is when dealing with pain in the elbow, wrist, hand, or other joints. Be sure to call our office at the hospital to discuss treatment options for orthopedic surgery, care, and more. Our arthroscopic team helps patients suffering from arthritis in any joint. Call the office at our medical center at (301) 530-1010 to schedule a consultation for arthritis pain management today with a doctor.