Wrist Arthroscopy

A wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside your wrist. It involves inserting a thin tube with a camera on the end, known as an arthroscope, through a small incision to examine the two main joints of the wrist. Instruments are passed through other small incisions to repair the joint or remove damaged tissue. Fluid (saline) will be pumped into the area around the wrist joints to expand the area and give greater visibility.  Arthroscopic surgery is commonly known as ‘keyhole’ surgery.

A wrist arthroscopy may be the chosen procedure to treat an already diagnosed condition or injury, or it may be performed for diagnostic purposes. During a diagnostic arthroscopy your surgeon may be able to immediately treat the cause of your wrist pain.

A wrist arthroscopy can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and will take less than an hour. You will usually be able to return home on the day of your procedure. You will be provided with physiotherapy exercises designed to get you back to full strength as quickly as possible.

Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than open surgery that requires larger incisions, so pain is often less and recovery faster. However you will still need a period of rest and rehabilitation, including the required time off work. 

Wrist Arthroscopy Procedures

Many surgical procedures to treat wrist conditions can be done as open surgery or as arthroscopic surgery.  Wrist arthroscopy procedures include:

Chronic wrist pain

Repair of damaged cartilage

Wrist fractures

Realignment and stabilisation, removal or bone fragments

Excision of ganglion cysts 

Removal of ganglions and the stalks on which they grow

Sprained wrist

Repair of damaged ligaments or the TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) cartilage structure

Wrist debridement 

Removal of excess cartilage and debris to treat arthritis 

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Wrist arthroscopy is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Wrist Arthroscopy treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.