Wrist Arthroscopy Info Consent
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
Why this operation has been suggested
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Wrist arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure that lets us look inside your wrist joint with a small camera. We usually recommend this after non-operative care — such as hand therapy, splinting, or injections — has not given enough improvement for persistent pain.
We use this tool to diagnose and treat conditions like ligament tears, cartilage damage, or instability. You may expect approximately 50% improvement in pain and disability within one year. However, most patients continue to have some pain and disability after one year. We aim to restore function and stability while managing your expectations for recovery.
Before the operation
Please fast for seven hours before your procedure. Stop taking blood thinners only after your surgeon advises which ones to pause. Arrange a lift home, as you cannot drive yourself. Bring a list of all current medications and wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may need X-rays, blood tests, or an anaesthetic review to ensure you are safe for surgery. These checks help us plan the best care for your specific wrist condition. If you have had an MRI, bring the report. This helps us understand your joint health before we begin.
On the day
You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist to discuss your care plan. This operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will be fully asleep for the operation. Some patients may also have a regional nerve block for post-operative pain relief — the anaesthetist decides on the day based on your individual circumstances.
You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.
What the operation involves
Wrist arthroscopy uses small keyhole cuts to look inside your wrist joint and treat problems. Your surgeon makes two or three small incisions, each about 1 cm long. Through these tiny openings, a small camera and special tools are inserted. This allows your surgeon to see the inside of the joint clearly on a screen.
The procedure often uses traction to gently stretch the wrist joint. This creates space for the instruments to work safely. Your surgeon can then diagnose issues inside the joint or treat conditions such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or instability. The technique allows for accurate assessment of the joint surfaces and detection of soft-tissue injuries that might not show up on scans.
After the procedure is complete, the small cuts are closed with stitches. A dressing is applied to protect the area. This approach is minimally invasive, meaning it causes less disruption to the surrounding tissues compared to larger open surgeries.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery ward. Your surgeon will manage your pain and care for your wound. You will wear a sling to protect your wrist. Keep your dressings clean and dry. This is usually a day case, so you can expect to go home the same day, although occasionally patients stay overnight. Someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours. You cannot drive while in a splint. Most patients return to driving within two to three weeks, once the splint is off and you can hold the wheel comfortably. For more details, see Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Recovery
Your wrist will feel sore and swollen after the procedure. This is normal. We manage this discomfort with pain relief and by keeping your hand elevated above your heart. Ice packs help reduce swelling. You will wear a splint or cast to protect the joint while it heals. Do not drive while wearing this splint. You can return to driving once the splint is off and you can hold the steering wheel comfortably.
You will follow a rehabilitation plan with Ruby Doolan at Extend Rehabilitation. Your therapist guides you through gentle exercises to restore movement and strength. You start with simple motions and gradually increase activity as pain allows. You may use your hand for light tasks like eating or typing when comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting or forceful gripping until your surgeon clears you.
Recovery varies between individuals. You may notice improvements in pain and function as swelling settles and movement returns. Some discomfort can persist for a while. Your surgeon and hand therapist will guide your progress based on how your wrist responds. Listen to your body and report any concerns promptly.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
Wrist arthroscopy is generally safe. However, complications can occur. These are often minor and temporary. Still, it is important to know what to look for.
Nerve irritation is a known risk. The posterior interosseous nerve runs near the back of your wrist. If this nerve is affected, you might feel tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand or fingers. You may notice a strange sensation when you move your wrist. If you experience these symptoms, tell your surgeon at your next review. They can check if the sensation is part of normal healing or needs attention.
Infection is another possible issue. You might notice increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the small incisions. There could be pus or unusual drainage from the wounds. You might also develop a fever. If you see these signs, contact the clinic immediately. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment. Early treatment helps prevent serious problems.
Pain that does not improve is a sign to watch. Some discomfort is normal after surgery. But if you have deep, throbbing pain that does not ease with prescribed painkillers, this is unusual. You might also notice sudden, significant swelling in your wrist or hand. If this happens, call the clinic right away. Your surgeon needs to assess whether this is a normal part of healing or a complication.
Bleeding can sometimes occur. You might see blood soaking through your bandages. If this happens, apply gentle pressure and seek medical advice. Do not ignore persistent bleeding.
Your surgeon uses detailed knowledge of wrist anatomy to keep risks low. Arthroscopic techniques often have fewer complications than open surgery. But no procedure is risk-free. Your team is trained to handle these situations.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling, shortness of breath, loss of sensation, or inability to move your limb. We want to ensure your recovery stays on track. Please contact our clinic immediately if any of these symptoms occur so we can assess you promptly.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Wrist Ligament Injuries page.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Wrist Ligament Injuries page.
