Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat multiple conditions of the wrist, including ganglion cysts, TFCC tears, wrist fractures, other ligament tears or wrist infections and crystalline arthropathies.

How is arthroscopy done?

This may be performed under general or regional (localised block to the arm) anaesthesia, depending both on the complexity of the surgery and the patient preference or condition. Then hand is suspended in finger traps and a small weight laid over the upper arm to assist gravity traction on the wrist. Small incisions over the back of the hand are made to insert the camera and a probe is then inserted under direct vision to assess the joint structures. The necessary procedure/s are carried out and the arthroscope removed. Often the incisions are so small that they only require steristrip application to close. Postop recovery will be discussed prior to the procedure and you will have a plan in place for the coming weeks of rehabilitation.