Arthroscopy
Arthroscopic surgery involves the use of a tiny camera, which is inserted through a small incision, enabling the surgeon to see inside the joint. Dr. Steven Bailey may recommend an arthroscopic procedure for the wrist. This procedure allows him to make a more accurate diagnosis of the condition that affects the wrist, as well as, to treat the problem with minimally invasive techniques.
To find out if wrist arthroscopy is right for you, contact The Hand Center at Crawford Plastic Surgery, serving patients in Kennesaw, Marrieta, Atlanta, and other areas of Georgia, today.
The Arthroscopy Procedure
To begin the arthroscopy procedure, the patient will be put under general anesthesia to maintain comfort throughout treatment. Then, a small incision is made at the back of the wrist. The camera is then inserted through the incision and into the back of the wrist joint. The images obtained by the camera are displayed on a larger screen. Specialized instruments can be used to make additional incisions so the camera can capture various views of the joint, cartilage, and ligaments.
Based on the condition of the joint, Dr. Bailey may remove damaged structures that do not receive good blood supply, repair torn tissues, align broken bones, remove ganglion cysts, and release constrictive bands of tissue.
Which Conditions Can Arthroscopy Treat?
Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat various conditions of the wrists and elbows.
Conditions of the Wrist
The wrist is the third most common joint for which the arthroscopy procedure is recommended. Dr. Bailey may perform arthroscopy for:
- Chronic wrist pain
- Wrist fractures
- Ganglion cysts
- Ligament tears
- Cartilage tears
Recovery after Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. It is associated with a quicker recovery period, less severe pain, and lower risk of wound complications than open surgical procedures. That said, arthroscopy is still surgery, and patients should follow Dr. Bailey?s post-surgical instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
After surgery, the incisions are closed with stitches and you will wear a bandage or splint that limits movement of the hand or wrist. It is important to keep any bandages clean and dry.
Side effects after surgery include discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. To encourage healing and reduce the severity of side effects, patients should keep the wrist and elbow elevated as much as possible for several days after the procedure. Patients can also use ice packs after the procedure to reduce swelling. In addition, patients should move and wiggle their fingers to encourage blood flow and prevent further stiffness
To find out if you are a good candidate for wrist arthroscopy, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bailey at The Hand Center at Crawford Plastic Surgery.