Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist Arthroscopy in Colorado Springs, CO

If persistent wrist pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or perform everyday activities, wrist arthroscopy may provide an effective minimally invasive solution. At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group (CSOG), our hand and upper extremity specialists utilize advanced wrist arthroscopy techniques to diagnose and treat a wide range of wrist conditions with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado trust our experienced orthopedic team for comprehensive wrist care designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to the activities they enjoy.

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Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your hands and wrists play an important role in nearly everything you do, from working and exercising to performing everyday activities. Injuries, arthritis, nerve conditions, tendon problems, and other disorders can cause pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of function.

CSOG provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, fingers, and surrounding structures. Our specialists offer a range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including therapy, injections, minimally invasive procedures, and advanced surgical techniques when appropriate.

Whether you are dealing with a new injury or a condition that has gradually affected your function, our team will evaluate your individual needs and develop a treatment plan focused on relieving symptoms, restoring function, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

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What is Wrist Arthroscopy?

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to view, diagnose and treat problems of your wrist joint.

Your wrist is a complex joint made up of eight small bones called carpal bones. These bones are supported by connecting ligaments. Various conditions can affect your wrist joint such as carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis and others.

Indications of Wrist Arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy may be necessary to help in diagnosing:

Stiffness
Unexplained pain
Swelling
Giving way or popping of the joint

Wrist arthroscopy is also used to treat conditions such as:

Arthritis
Chronic wrist pain
Wrist fractures
Ligament tears
Ganglion cysts
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Wrist Arthroscopy Procedure

Wrist arthroscopy is usually performed under regional anesthesia. You may be given a sedative to keep you relaxed.

Your doctor will make one or two small half-inch incisions, known as portals, on the back of your wrist. The portals are placed in specific locations on the wrist, depending on the areas that need to be visualized. The arthroscope and special surgical instruments are inserted into your wrist through these portals. The arthroscope is a thin tube with a camera, lens and light source. Your doctor will be guided by the images relayed from the arthroscope onto a video monitor throughout your procedure. Your doctor will perform any necessary repairs depending on your problem.

After the procedure, the portals are closed with small stitches and a dressing is applied. You may be instructed to wear a splint for a short time after the procedure.

Postoperative Care following Wrist Arthroscopy

Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart for the first 2 to 3 days after your procedure. Keep your bandage clean, dry and intact. You may apply ice over the operated area to reduce swelling and discomfort. You will be instructed on special exercises to regain strength and mobility of your wrist. You will be prescribed pain medications to relieve any pain.

Advantages of Wrist Arthroscopy

Recovery following wrist arthroscopy is generally more comfortable than an open surgery, which requires a larger incision. There is usually less pain following the procedure and the healing time is faster when compared to an open procedure. Wrist arthroscopy is performed as a day surgery where most often you can go home within several hours after their surgery.

Risks and Complications of Wrist Arthroscopy

Complications are rare with wrist arthroscopy. However, some of the possible complications that can occur include scarring, bleeding, swelling, infection, numbness and injury to adjoining structures.

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Hand & Wrist Center Specialists

Why Choose Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group for Wrist Arthroscopy?

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group provides expert hand and upper extremity care backed by decades of orthopedic experience. Our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic technology, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and personalized treatment plans to address complex wrist conditions while maximizing recovery and function. Whether you are experiencing chronic wrist pain, a ligament injury, arthritis, or a wrist fracture, our team is committed to delivering comprehensive care from diagnosis through rehabilitation.

Patients choose CSOG for wrist arthroscopy because we offer:

Experienced hand and upper extremity specialists
Advanced minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and imaging services
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs
Integrated rehabilitation and recovery support
Multiple convenient locations throughout Colorado Springs
Coordinated orthopedic care from diagnosis through recovery
A patient-centered approach focused on restoring wrist function and reducing pain

Wrist Arthroscopy FAQs

What is wrist arthroscopy used to treat?

Wrist arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including ligament tears, chronic wrist pain, arthritis, ganglion cysts, wrist fractures, inflammation, and certain nerve compression conditions.

Is wrist arthroscopy considered minimally invasive?

Yes. Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat wrist conditions with less disruption to surrounding tissues.

How long does wrist arthroscopy take?

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated and whether repairs are performed during the procedure.

Will I be awake during wrist arthroscopy?

Most wrist arthroscopy procedures are performed under regional anesthesia, often combined with sedation to keep patients comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.

How long is recovery after wrist arthroscopy?

Recovery varies depending on the condition treated and the extent of the procedure. Many patients return to light activities within a few weeks, while full recovery may take several months.

Will I need physical or occupational therapy?

Yes. Many patients benefit from hand therapy or physical therapy to restore wrist strength, flexibility, range of motion, and function following surgery.

When can I return to work or sports?

Return-to-work and return-to-sport timelines depend on the nature of your job, activity level, and the specific procedure performed. Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance based on your recovery progress.

What are the benefits of wrist arthroscopy compared to open surgery?

Wrist arthroscopy typically offers smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, reduced scarring, shorter recovery times, and a faster return to daily activities compared to traditional open surgical techniques.

Schedule a Wrist Arthroscopy Consultation in Colorado Springs, CO

If wrist pain, instability, stiffness, or loss of function is affecting your quality of life, the hand and upper extremity specialists at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group can help. Our team provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options, including minimally invasive wrist arthroscopy, to diagnose and treat a wide range of wrist conditions.

Contact CSOG today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Colorado Springs locations. Our experienced orthopedic specialists proudly serve patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado with personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.

Specialized Hand & Wrist Care in Colorado Springs