Traumatic and degenerative pain of the wrist and elbow often can be addressed by arthroscopic surgery. The hand surgeons at the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center are among the few in the region who are skilled in this minimally invasive "keyhole" surgery. A small camera and miniature-sized instruments are introduced into the wrist and elbow joint via two or three tiny incisions to address damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This surgical approach avoids large incisions and improves recovery.
The arthroscopy procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. A fiberoptic camera is inserted through a small incision, or ‘portal,’ in the wrist or elbow. The camera lens magnifies and projects the small structures onto a television monitor, allowing the orthopedic surgeon to accurately diagnose the condition.
After your arthroscopy you will most likely be placed into a protective bandage or splint that allows full mobility of your fingers. The period of protection will vary depending on what was performed at the time of surgery. Elevating the involved extremity is important to prevent excessive swelling and pain after your surgery.
Minimally invasive elbow and wrist surgery is a treatment option for patients with: