Wrist Arthroscopy in Kansas City

Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until their pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like wrist arthroscopy. 

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or increasing inability to perform your daily activities, a treatment like wrist arthroscopy may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with severe hand and wrist concerns to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more active, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least two phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery. Always check with your physician before surgery for their specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day the hospital releases you. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery at the Kansas City Orthopaedic Institute, you can expect the following on surgery day:

• A receptionist will check you in at the registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to see inside the joint. A small tube with a camera is inserted through a minor incision, allowing the surgeon to make a more definitive diagnosis and eliminating the need for a large surgical incision.

Arthroscopy can assist in diagnosing issues by allowing the surgeon to view the actual tissue in the target area. Arthroscopy is also the most common method used to treat many orthopedic conditions in the wrist.

During a wrist arthroscopy in Kansas City, you will remain under general anesthesia. The surgeon fills the wrist with fluid and makes several small incisions around the area so they can insert a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the joint, giving them a clear guide for the surgical instruments. Saline fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the image clear and your bleeding minimal. This is different from open surgery, which requires a larger incision and often longer recovery times.

After assessing the injury and condition, your surgeon will begin the repair. Wrist arthroscopy gives access to many repair options, such as removing inflamed tissue or loose bone fragments and cartilage, releasing scar tissue that is blocking motion, and treating fractures and breaks.

A patient’s recovery plan and timeline will vary based on a variety of factors, including the procedure performed, age, activity level, goals, and more. However, taking care of your body is essential to ensure optimal results from your wrist arthroscopy.

In the immediate aftermath of your surgery, it’s important to keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling in the wrist.  Your care team may prescribe medications to assist with pain and soreness.

For many patients undergoing a wrist arthroscopy, there will be a period of time where you’ll need to limit (or keep off entirely) the amount of weight you put on your hand and wrist. 

After surgery, you can expect swelling, soreness, and bruising around the area, which is normal. If you require stitches or staples, they are often removed 10-14 days after the surgery.  

Your provider team will provide you with customized instructions on how to progress your recovery. 

Occupational or physical therapy may be necessary to help guide you through structured exercises and stretches.

This is one way to help you achieve the best outcome possible following your arthroscopy.

Timelines for recovery vary dramatically from a few weeks to months, depending on the procedure performed.