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Wrist Arthroscopy

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Diagnostic and therapeutic wrist arthroscopy — what it is, when it's used, and recovery.

Updated May 2026

Why this operation has been suggested¶

This page reflects how Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, approaches wrist arthroscopy in our clinic. Wrist arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure where your surgeon uses a small camera and thin instruments through two or three tiny incisions to look inside and treat your wrist joint.

We usually recommend this after non-operative care has not given enough improvement. For long-standing wear-and-tear, we typically try activity changes, physiotherapy, splinting, or injections first. If you have a structural injury or acute problem, surgery may be recommended sooner. This approach helps us accurately assess joint surfaces and detect soft-tissue injuries that scans might miss.

The main benefit is to reduce pain and improve function. Patients with persistent wrist pain often see about 50% improvement in pain and disability within one year. However, most patients continue to have some pain and disability after one year. We discuss these outcomes with you to ensure this shared decision aligns with your goals for stability and daily function.

Before the operation¶

Please fast for six hours before your surgery. We advise stopping certain blood-thinning medications, but your surgeon will give you specific instructions. Arrange a lift home and bring a list of your current medicines. Wear comfortable clothing. You may need X-rays, an MRI, or blood tests beforehand. These investigations help us see the joint clearly and ensure you are safe for anaesthesia. We perform wrist arthroscopy using two or three small incisions. A tiny camera allows us to view the inside of your wrist. This keyhole approach helps us treat your condition with minimal disruption to your skin and muscles.

On the day¶

You will arrive at the hospital for your wrist arthroscopy. Our team will guide you through admission and help you get comfortable. You will meet the anaesthetist to discuss your pain management and safety plan. This operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will be fully asleep for the operation. Some patients may also have a regional nerve block for post-operative pain relief — the anaesthetist decides on the day based on your individual circumstances.

Once you are ready, you will be moved to the operating theatre. Dr Hirpara performs this surgery using an arthroscopic approach. This means we use two or three small incisions. A small camera is inserted inside the joint to guide the procedure. After the surgery is complete, you will wake up in our recovery area. Our staff will monitor you closely as the anaesthetic wears off. You will stay here until you are stable and ready to go home with a support person.

What the operation involves¶

Wrist arthroscopy uses small keyhole cuts to look inside your wrist joint. Your surgeon makes two or three small incisions, each about 1 cm long. Through these tiny openings, a small camera and special instruments are inserted into the joint space. This allows your surgeon to see the bones and soft tissues clearly on a screen.

To get a clear view, the wrist is gently pulled apart using traction. This stretches the joint and creates room for the camera to move around safely. Your surgeon examines the inside of the joint to find the cause of your pain, such as torn ligaments or damaged cartilage. If needed, your surgeon can treat these issues during the same procedure. For example, your surgeon may repair torn ligaments, remove loose pieces of bone or cartilage, or smooth out rough joint surfaces.

In some cases, your surgeon may use a dry technique without fluid, which is helpful for certain fractures. Newer tools and smaller cameras allow your surgeon to treat complex problems that were difficult to fix in the past. After the work inside the joint is complete, the small cuts are closed with stitches or glue. A dressing is placed over the incisions to protect them while they heal.

After the operation¶

You will wake up in a recovery ward where your pain is managed safely. This is usually a day case, so you can expect to go home the same day, although occasionally patients stay overnight. Your wrist will be protected by a sling or brace, and your incisions will be covered with dressings. We perform this operation using an arthroscopic (keyhole) approach with two or three small incisions and a small camera inside the joint. You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours to help you rest. Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling. You typically return to driving within two to three weeks for a simple wrist arthroscopy, once you can hold the wheel comfortably. NO DRIVING while in a splint: if a repair (such as a TFCC repair) needs a splint or cast, driving waits until it comes off, typically four to six weeks. See Driving after upper-limb surgery for more details.

Recovery¶

You will notice swelling and stiffness in your wrist after the procedure. This is normal. Your surgeon will provide a splint or cast to keep your wrist still while it heals. Keep your hand elevated above your heart as much as possible in the early days. This helps reduce swelling and eases discomfort. You may need to adjust how you sleep to keep your arm supported.

We guide you through gentle exercises to restore movement. Your hand therapy after surgery is with Ruby Doolan at Extend Rehabilitation. These sessions help you regain strength and flexibility. You will start with simple motions and gradually increase activity as your surgeon clears you. Avoid heavy lifting or gripping until your surgeon says it is safe. Small tasks around the house are usually fine, but listen to your body.

Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you. Most people find that daily activities become easier as swelling settles and movement returns. You can typically return to driving within two to three weeks after a simple wrist arthroscopy, once you can hold the wheel comfortably. Do not drive while in a splint: if a repair (such as a TFCC repair) needs a splint or cast, driving waits until it comes off, typically four to six weeks. For more details on getting back behind the wheel, see Driving after upper-limb surgery.

What can go wrong¶

Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.

Wrist arthroscopy is generally safe. It carries a low risk of complications compared with open surgery techniques. However, detailed knowledge of the wrist anatomy is essential to keep these risks as low as possible. While most issues are minor and temporary, some rates of complications may be higher than previously thought.

You might notice signs of nerve irritation during or after the procedure. This often involves the posterior interosseous nerve, which runs through the back of your forearm. You may feel a sudden sharp pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand or fingers. Sometimes this feels like a weak grip or difficulty moving your wrist. If you experience new numbness, weakness, or shooting pains after surgery, let your surgeon know right away. We can check if the nerve needs extra care or if the sensation will settle on its own.

Minor complications are common and usually pass quickly. You might notice some swelling, bruising, or mild pain at the small incision sites. These are normal parts of healing. However, if you see redness spreading from the wounds, feel warmth around the incisions, or notice any drainage, contact the clinic. These could be signs of a minor infection that needs attention.

Because we use small cameras and instruments through tiny incisions, the trauma to your tissues is limited. This helps reduce the chance of serious problems. Still, you should remain aware of your body’s signals. If pain becomes severe and does not improve with simple painkillers, or if you develop sudden, significant swelling, do not wait for your next appointment. Call us or visit the emergency department if symptoms feel urgent.

The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.

When to call us¶

Call our clinic or go to emergency if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Seek urgent help for calf swelling or shortness of breath. Contact us immediately if you notice loss of sensation or cannot move your limb. These symptoms need prompt assessment to ensure your recovery stays on track.

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