If you have been advised that you require wrist arthroscopy surgery, one of the first things that may come to mind is how long the procedure is likely to take. Of course, it is completely normal to have lots of questions before any surgical procedure. The good news is that wrist arthroscopy is generally a short procedure.
Nonetheless, the time may differ, based on several factors. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident about your treatment.
What Is Wrist Arthroscopy?
Wrist arthroscopy is a low-invasive surgical process that is used in diagnosing and treating conditions relating to the wrist joint. In the arthroscopy procedure, the surgeon creates a number of incisions on the wrist area, and a tiny camera, called the arthroscope, is inserted into the joint area. The arthroscope transmits a clear image of the joint to a monitor for the surgeon to view. This procedure ensures a faster and less painful recovery because of the smaller incisions made compared to other surgical methods.
How Long Does Wrist Arthroscopy Take on Average?
On average, the procedure of wrist arthroscopy can take anything between 30 minutes and 1 hour. However, in certain cases, the procedure can take a little longer. For example, if additional repairs are to be done, the procedure can take a little longer. Simple procedures take less time, but complex procedures can take up to 90 minutes.
Factors That Can Affect Surgery Time
There are a number of factors that can influence the length of time taken for wrist arthroscopy. This is a straightforward procedure; however, every case is different.
Type of Wrist Problem:
If the procedure is purely for diagnosis, it can be done swiftly. In other cases, where the surgeon has to repair torn ligaments, remove cysts, or fix fractures, the procedure can be more time-consuming.
Complexity of the Damage:
More extensive injury to the joint may require additional time to adequately repair or treat the injury. Severe injury may require more detailed work.
Surgeon’s Experience:
A skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeon who frequently performs wrist arthroscopy may do so more quickly while delivering a high level of results.
Additional Procedures:
In some cases, wrist arthroscopy is performed in conjunction with other procedures. In such a case, the duration of the procedure in the OR will, of course, be longer.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
While the duration of the procedure is relatively short, the recovery is equally important. In order to recover quickly and avoid any complications, proper care of the wrist is a must.
- Carefully adhere to your doctor’s advice.
- Elevate your wrist to minimize swelling.
- Use ice packs according to your doctor’s advice.
- Make sure to attend your follow-up appointments.
- Attend all recommended physical therapy sessions as advised.
Final Thoughts
Typically, wrist arthroscopy is a quick and simple procedure. This usually takes an hour or less. However, the actual time taken for the surgery varies depending on the nature of your condition and the required treatment. Knowing what makes the time of your surgery and recovery possible can make you confident in the process.
For personalized guidance and treatment, you can always trust Dr. Omar S. Dimachkieh, MD. We discuss your concerns about timing and recovery, and treat your wrist joint conditions with less pain than open surgery. Call us at (713) 794-3463 to schedule your visit today!