Wrist arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure to diagnose and treat conditions within the wrist joint, including ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and removal of loose bodies.
Small incisions (portals) are made on the back of the wrist. A tiny camera is inserted to view the joint surfaces, ligaments, and cartilage. Depending on findings, the surgeon may repair or debride ligament tears (such as the TFCC — triangular fibrocartilage complex), remove loose bodies, treat cartilage damage, or excise inflamed tissue. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.
Wrist arthroscopy is considered for persistent wrist pain not explained by imaging, TFCC tears causing clicking or pain on the ulnar (little finger) side of the wrist, scapholunate ligament injuries, ganglion removal, or assessment of articular cartilage damage.
Wrist splinting, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injection. Many wrist conditions improve with non-operative management.
MRI or MR arthrogram may have been performed. Day-case procedure.
Diagnostic arthroscopy provides definitive assessment of intra-articular pathology. Therapeutic procedures such as TFCC repair or debridement can provide good symptom relief.
Expected for one to two weeks.
Tenderness at the small incision sites.
Sensory nerve branches on the back of the wrist may be damaged, causing numbness.
Rare damage to extensor tendons near the portals.
Joint infection.
Arthroscopy may not resolve all wrist symptoms.
General, regional, or local anaesthesia. A traction tower is used to open the joint space.
A splint or bandage for a few days. Gentle wrist exercises begin within the first week. If a TFCC repair was performed, a cast may be needed for four to six weeks. Return to desk work within one to two weeks. Full recovery depends on the procedure performed.
Wound check at two weeks. Follow-up depends on the procedure performed.
The triangular fibrocartilage complex is a cushion and stabiliser on the ulnar side of the wrist. Tears cause pain with gripping, twisting, and pushing movements.
Wrist arthroscopy is the most accurate way to assess the inside of the wrist joint and often identifies problems not visible on MRI.