About Wrist Arthroscopy

A wrist arthroscopy involves using a small telescope. The telescope is inserted into small excisions/cuts made into your wrist. This is known as keyhole surgery and for some people, enables a quicker recovery.

Signs & Symptoms

An arthroscopy is also commonly used in addition to other surgical treatments, for example ligamentous repairs and debridement of adhesions, removal of ganglion cysts and treatment for bony fractures.

Treatment Options

What happens during a wrist arthroscopy?

An anaesthetic or regional block is administered by the anaesthetist. A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith will use a frame to support your arm before the surgery. A tourniquet is normally applied to reduce the risk of bleeding. Three or four small incisions are made and then the small telescopes are inserted. The wrist joint is then examined. From this point, A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith will/may perform additional surgeries discussed at your pre-operative appointments.

What happens after a wrist arthroscopy?

A post-operative appointment is normally allocated to you by the rooms. This occurs 2-3 weeks post operatively. There are two types of bandages that are applied after your operation. An outer crepe bandage and waterproof dressings. Some procedures require a plaster cast and this is applied at the time of surgery. Some cases require further splinting and hand therapy. Underneath the plaster or crepe bandage, there are some waterproof dressings. These dressings are to remain on until you see A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith.

You may visit your normal GP to redress these bandages if it is warranted to do so or these can be changed by the patient carefully. It is imperative that you keep your wounds clean, dry and sterile.

If you are required to have further splinting, you will be given a referral at the time of discharge to a Hand Therapist. The Hand Therapist may give you some exercises, wound care and a treatment plan in correlation to A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith treatment. It is important that you follow this.

If you require further analgesia for pain management than initially prescribed on discharge from hospital, you will need to visit your GP.

How much recovery time is needed?

As you have had an anaesthetic, please do not drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours post operatively. You will need to organise someone to collect you from the hospital.
You are not to play any contact sport, exercise or lift anything heavy until either your General Practitioner or A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith has advised that it is safe to do so.
Recovery times differ from patient to patient and is dependent on the surgery performed. You will need to discuss this with A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith.
It is normal to experience discomfort and tenderness of hand and wrist, especially around the wound sites. This will settle with time.

Risks & Concerns

The associated risks of surgery include;

Infection
Scar
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Need for further surgery

Failure to relieve symptoms
Worsening pain
Bleeding
Neurovascular deficit or injury
Risk of anaesthetic
Recurrence

If you experience any problems or have any concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the office. A/Prof Lawson-Smith’s staff will ensure that A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith is kept informed and will advise you on the best course of action.

If you are unable to reach the office, please do not hesitate to contact your GP or if it is an emergency, please present to your nearest Emergency Department.