Wrist Arthroscopy at Fitzwilliam Hospital

What is a wrist arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy can diagnose and treat a number of wrist problems including:

Chronic wrist pain – such as cartilage damage can be smoothed and loose bits removed.
Wrist fractures – fractures of the wrist can be realigned and stabilised. Fragments of bone in your joint following a fracture may be removed. A distal radius fracture is a common wrist fracture that happens when you fall onto an outstretched arm.
Ganglion cysts - treatment can remove ganglions of the wrist and a stalk that often grows between your two wrist bones where ganglion cysts develop.
Sprained wrist - ligament tears can be repaired.
Infection of the wrist joint – can be washed out.
Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis – excess joint lining can be removed.

Arthroscopy of the wrist has a number of benefits including:

Many wrist injuries can be diagnosed and treated at the same time so only one rather than two procedures are required.
A small cut is made for the arthroscope and miniature instruments rather than a large incision.
Complications are less likely using arthroscopy than open surgery.
Patients feel less pain and joint stiffness.
Reduced recovery time.

Arthroscopy of the wrist involves inserting a very small camera, called an arthroscope, into your wrist.

The arthroscope sends images of your wrist to a video monitor for your doctor to see. It allows your doctor to investigate, diagnose and treat your wrist injury or condition.

Once your wrist problem has been diagnosed your wrist surgeon may perform treatment at the same time by inserting miniature surgical instruments into your wrist to repair or remove any damaged tissue.

You will usually have a general anaesthetic before wrist arthroscopy. It’s a simple day case procedure that takes between thirty minutes to an hour.

Complications after arthroscopy of the wrist surgery are unusual. Rare risks include:

Infection
Nerve injuries
Tendon tearing
Excessive swelling or bleeding
Stiffness or loss of joint motion (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
Scarring
Compartment syndrome.

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

The arthroscopy of the wrist may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

Arthroscopy of the wrist is usually a day-case procedure so you should be able to go home the same day.

Your hand, fingers and wrist area will be bruised, swollen and may be painful immediately and for up to three weeks after the surgery.

You may be advised to do exercises to aid your recovery.

Most people can resume normal activities after a couple of weeks and, over time the pain subsides and movement improves.

Wrist arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside your wrist joint.

It is performed if you have a wrist injury, such as a fall or a twisting of your wrist, that is causing you pain, swelling or clicking, as these symptoms may indicate you have an internal wrist problem.

At Ramsay Health Care we provide our patients with easy access to experts in orthopaedics. We work in partnership with many consultant surgeons who have a special interest in wrist injuries. Our hospitals also invest in the latest technology to ensure you receive the very best care.

Related Treatments

Hand and Wrist Surgery

Hand and wrist surgery is broad ranging orthopaedic specialty. It is normally performed by an orthopaedic consultant with a special interest in hands and wrists to treat several injuries or damages

Find out more

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger is a common and painful condition that restricts your finger or thumb movement. It affects the tendons in your finger or thumb and causes them to lock or catch as they bend towards your palm. Trigger finger release surgery is performed to widen the tunnel that your tendons pass through in your finger or thumb and to resolve a condition known as trigger finger.

Find out more

Dupuytrens Fasciectomy

Dupuytrens Fasciectomy is surgery to remove thickened, scar-like tissue from under the skin of the fingers and palm of the hand, responsible for causing Dupuytren’s contracture. The goal is to release the tight bands of tissue, allowing the affected fingers to regain their normal range of motion.

Find out more

Latest from Fitzwilliam Hospital

Meet Mr. John Mathew: Leading Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Fitzwilliam Hospital

If you're navigating the complex world of breast cancer treatment, you may find comfort in knowing that there are local experts like Mr. Mathew at the forefront of advanced surgical options. Mr. Mathew is a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon working in Peterborough at the Fitzwilliam Hospital, with a specialised focus on breast surgical oncology and advanced oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery.

Find out more

Fitzwilliam Hospital Teams Up with Wansford Surgery for Colorectal Screening Study

Fitzwilliam Hospital has recently joined forces with Wansford Surgery to support a groundbreaking colorectal research study, showcasing their dedication to working closely with the health community and giving patients access to the latest medical studies and healthcare advancements.

Find out more

Considering Plastic Surgery?

Mr Anthony Barabas, Consultant Plastic Surgeon discusses the options for plastic surgery.

Find out more

Specialties

Treatments

Tests & Scans

Your Care

Clinical Information

Funding Treatment

Wrist Arthroscopy