Our Summary

This paper presents guidelines for diagnosing and treating an inflamed wrist that may be due to a serious infection known as septic arthritis. The authors note the challenge in diagnosing this condition because current tests and symptoms can be unreliable or unclear. Therefore, they underscore the importance of early treatment to prevent long-term damage to the wrist.

The paper suggests that the initial treatment for a potentially infected wrist should be less invasive, involving the use of antibiotics and regularly draining fluid from the joint to check for improvement. If the wrist does not improve or worsens, more invasive treatments, like surgery, may be required.

The authors argue that this approach could potentially avoid unnecessary surgeries while ensuring that no infected wrist goes untreated. They also highlight that the wrist is less likely to be infected than larger joints and is easier to treat, so the treatment process should consider these differences.

FAQs

  1. What is the recommended initial treatment for a potentially infected wrist?
  2. Why is it challenging to diagnose septic arthritis in the wrist?
  3. What might be the next step if the initial treatment doesn’t improve the condition of the infected wrist?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing wrist arthroscopy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the wrist elevated, applying ice, and taking prescribed pain medication as needed. They may also recommend doing gentle exercises to help with flexibility and strength during the recovery process. Additionally, the doctor may stress the importance of attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended wrist arthroscopy include those with:

  1. Persistent wrist pain that does not improve with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy.
  2. Wrist instability or recurrent dislocations.
  3. Suspected ligament tears or cartilage damage in the wrist joint.
  4. Chronic wrist inflammation or swelling.
  5. Previous wrist injuries that have not healed properly.
  6. Suspected wrist fractures or bone abnormalities.
  7. Diagnosis of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or ganglion cysts that may require surgical intervention.

It is important for patients to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if wrist arthroscopy is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences wrist pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to diagnose the issue.
  3. Non-invasive treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy may be recommended.
  4. If symptoms persist or worsen, the patient may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes wrist arthroscopy procedure to diagnose and treat the underlying issue.
  2. Recovery period includes rest, physical therapy, and pain management.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and progress.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved wrist function.
  5. Long-term follow-up may be recommended to ensure the issue does not reoccur.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after wrist arthroscopy and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the procedure?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments to wrist arthroscopy that I should consider?
  5. What are the success rates of wrist arthroscopy for my specific condition?
  6. How many wrist arthroscopy procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  8. Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure?
  9. How soon after the procedure can I return to normal activities and work?
  10. What will the follow-up care and monitoring look like after the wrist arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Claiborne JR, Branch LG, Reynolds M, Defranzo AJ. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2017 Jun;78(6):659-662. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000974. PMID: 28187026