Wrist Arthroscopy
Hand, Wrist & Finger Specialist Care
If a wrist injury has left you with persistent pain, clicking, or weakness, especially after a fall or twist—you may be wondering if it's more serious. Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to both diagnose and treat a wide range of wrist problems.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, a specialist in wrist surgery based in Adelaide, uses this technique to restore wrist stability and function with less pain, quicker recovery, and smaller scars.
What Can Wrist Arthroscopy Treat?
Wrist arthroscopy can help with several wrist conditions:
- Repair TFCC tears, which are injuries to the cushioning tissue that supports wrist movement and stability.
- Release pressure in carpal tunnel syndrome, helping relieve numbness or tingling in the fingers.
- Remove bone spurs or inflamed tissue causing wrist impingement.
- Address wrist instability by repairing injured ligaments to prevent your wrist from giving way.
Beyond Dr Brumby-Rendell’s practice, general orthopaedic literature also supports treating issues like ganglion cysts, arthritis, and ligament tears with arthroscopy.
Conditions Treated
Wrist arthroscopy can effectively treat various wrist conditions, including:
- TFCC tears: Tears or injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex, a structure that stabilises the wrist joint.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Release of the carpal tunnel to alleviate pressure on the median nerve.
- Wrist impingement: Removal of bone spurs or inflamed tissues causing impingement in the wrist joint.
- Wrist instability: Repair of damaged ligaments to stabilize the wrist joint.
Benefits of arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:
Minimal scarring: The procedure involves small incisions, resulting in less scarring.
Reduced post-operative pain: Minimally invasive techniques typically result in less post-operative pain and discomfort.
Faster recovery: Patients often experience a quicker recovery and return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.
Improved visualisation: The arthroscope provides an enhanced view of the interior of the joint, allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment.
Wrist arthroscopy procedure
Dr Brumby-Rendell makes a few small cuts (incisions) around the back of the wrist, then inserts a tiny camera (the “arthroscope”) to view the joint. He uses other small tools through additional incisions to fix any problems found. At the end, he closes the incisions with stitches or strips.
This “keyhole” approach gives a sharp view of inside the wrist without the need for larger open surgery.
Minimal scarring: Only small cuts are made, leaving tiny scars.
Less pain after surgery: Usually much more comfortable than traditional open surgery.
Quicker recovery: Many patients get back to normal daily activities more quickly.
Clearer vision for the surgeon: The camera provides a magnified, high-definition look inside the joint, improving precision.
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Most wrist arthroscopy cases are day surgeries, meaning you go home the same day. You may need a light splint or bandage for a short time. Early movement of fingers, and eventually gentle wrist exercises; helps reduce stiffness and speeds healing.
Recovery usually starts with protection and elevation of the wrist (to reduce swelling), then moves toward tailored physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility and gradually return to your normal routines.
Immobilisation: Most often, the wrist does not need to be splinted or immobilised after wrist arthroscopy. In some instances, a splint may be applied and recommended post-operatively, particularly when fractures or tendon repairs are involved.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy is essential to restore wrist strength, flexibility, and function. Specific exercises will be prescribed to gradually improve wrist mobility and strength.
Gradual return to activities: Depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing, patients can gradually return to their daily activities and sports under the guidance of their healthcare team.
Commonly Asked Questions
Wrist arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various wrist issues. Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell often uses it for things like torn ligaments or cartilage, small wrist fractures, or to remove painful cysts. It’s especially helpful when simpler treatments like splints or rest haven’t eased your pain. Because only tiny “keyhole” cuts are made, the surgeon can fix or examine the wrist without a big open incision.
Wrist arthroscopy with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell
Wrist arthroscopy is a valuable technique for diagnosing and treating various wrist conditions with minimal invasiveness and quicker recoveries. It offers numerous benefits, including minimised scarring, reduced post-operative pain, and a faster return to function. If you are experiencing persistent wrist pain or other wrist-related issues, consult with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell to determine if wrist arthroscopy may be the right treatment option for you.
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