Arthroscopy – Wrist
Wrist arthroscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the wrist. I will make small three or four incisions, usually less than a half – inch long, and insert an instrument called an arthroscope, which is smaller than the diameter of a pencil. The arthroscope contains a small lens, a miniature camera and a lighting system, enabling me to look directly inside the joint. Tiny probes, forceps, knives and shavers can then be inserted into the wrist and may be able to be used to correct some problems. I also have some nifty instruments for suturing inside the joint!
Wrist Anatomy
The wrist is a complex joint, with eight small bones and many connecting ligaments. Arthroscopy enables me to see the anatomic parts more easily than with an open incision. I can see the movement of the bones, test the tightness of the ligaments, look for cartilage damage, and make a more accurate diagnosis than I can from MRI o r other imaging modalities (x-ray, arthrogram).
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
Diagnostic arthroscopy may be used if the cause of your wrist pain cannot be identified or if wrist pain continues for several months despite nonsurgical treatment. Before surgery, I will perform:

- A physical examination that focuses on your hand and wrist.
- Provocative tests that involve moving your hand in ways that reproduce the pain.
- Differential Lidocaine injections, to help localize the source of the pain.
- Imaging studies, such as X-rays of your hand and wrist.