Our Summary

This study looked at different online rehabilitation protocols for two types of shoulder surgery - the Latarjet procedure and the Bankart repair. The researchers found that there was a lot of variation in the advice given for recovery exercises and targets after surgery. However, they found that the Latarjet protocols generally suggested that patients could start certain activities earlier than the Bankart protocols. This could explain why some previous studies found that patients who had the Latarjet procedure were able to return to sports quicker than those who had the Bankart repair.

FAQs

  1. What types of shoulder surgery did the study focus on?
  2. What differences were found between the Latarjet and Bankart rehabilitation protocols?
  3. Could the variation in rehabilitation protocols contribute to the difference in recovery times between the Latarjet and Bankart procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about wrist arthroscopy is to follow the rehabilitation protocol provided by your healthcare team closely. This may include specific exercises to strengthen and improve the flexibility of the wrist joint, as well as guidelines on when it is safe to resume certain activities. Adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation plan can help ensure a successful recovery and prevent further injury or complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended wrist arthroscopy are those who have persistent wrist pain, swelling, or limited range of motion that has not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications. Common conditions that may warrant wrist arthroscopy include:

  1. Carpal tunnel syndrome
  2. Wrist fractures
  3. Ligament tears or instability
  4. Ganglion cysts
  5. Arthritis
  6. Tendon injuries or inflammation

Patients who have tried other treatments without success and have a specific diagnosis that can be addressed through arthroscopic surgery may be good candidates for the procedure. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if wrist arthroscopy is the best course of action for their condition.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient meets with orthopedic surgeon to discuss symptoms and potential treatment options.
  2. Diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays or MRI, may be taken to assess the extent of the wrist injury.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative preparation, including fasting and possibly stopping certain medications.
  4. Wrist arthroscopy procedure is performed, typically under general anesthesia.
  5. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist following surgery.
  2. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are typically prescribed to improve range of motion and strength in the wrist.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  4. Gradual return to normal activities, including work and sports, is recommended based on individual healing and recovery.
  5. Full recovery from wrist arthroscopy can take several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific condition or injury is wrist arthroscopy being recommended for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  3. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of wrist arthroscopy for my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after wrist arthroscopy, and how long can I expect it to take?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the procedure, and if so, what does that entail?
  6. Are there any restrictions or limitations on activities after wrist arthroscopy?
  7. How soon can I expect to return to work or regular activities after the procedure?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of wrist arthroscopy?
  9. What is the experience and success rate of the surgeon performing the wrist arthroscopy?
  10. Are there any additional resources or information available to help me better understand the procedure and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Beletsky A, Cancienne JM, Manderle BJ, Mehta N, Wilk KE, Verma NN. Journal: Sports Health. 2020 Mar/Apr;12(2):124-131. doi: 10.1177/1941738119887396. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31916920