Our Summary

This research paper is about how doctors can treat wrist and hand injuries in athletes in a way that allows them to get back to their sport quickly. It focuses on a method called arthroscopy, which uses a small camera to look inside the joint and allows the surgeon to fix issues without making a big cut. The paper discusses how this method can be used to treat common wrist injuries in athletes, including injuries to certain wrist bones and ligaments, tears in the wrist’s cushioning cartilage, and wrist fractures.

FAQs

  1. What are some common wrist injuries in athletes that can be treated with arthroscopy?
  2. What is the advantage of using arthroscopic techniques in managing hand and wrist injuries in athletes?
  3. How does arthroscopic-assisted reduction help in treating wrist fractures?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing wrist arthroscopy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the wrist elevated and applying ice to reduce swelling. They may also recommend starting physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the wrist. It is important for the patient to communicate any changes or concerns with their doctor during the recovery process to ensure proper healing.

Suitable For

Athletes who have sustained wrist injuries such as scapholunate and lunotriquetral injury, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, hamatolunate impingement, and wrist fractures may be recommended for wrist arthroscopy. These patients typically require a more detailed evaluation and management to ensure a successful return to sport. Wrist arthroscopy allows for direct visualization of joint derangements and correction of issues through a minimally invasive approach, making it a valuable tool in the treatment of these injuries in athletes.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences wrist pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and imaging studies to diagnose the specific wrist injury.
  3. Orthopedic surgeon recommends wrist arthroscopy as a minimally invasive treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative consultations and evaluations to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
  5. Surgery is scheduled, and the patient receives instructions on pre-operative preparation.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes the arthroscopic procedure to address the specific wrist injury, such as repairing ligament tears or removing damaged tissue.
  2. Patient may experience some post-operative pain and swelling, which can be managed with medication and physical therapy.
  3. Patient follows a rehabilitation program to regain strength and range of motion in the wrist.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
  5. Patient gradually resumes activities and sports under the guidance of their healthcare provider to prevent re-injury.
  6. Over time, patient experiences improved wrist function and reduced pain, allowing them to return to their regular activities and sports.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific wrist injury do I have that requires arthroscopy?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after wrist arthroscopy?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the arthroscopic procedure?
  5. How successful is wrist arthroscopy in treating my specific injury compared to other treatment options?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the arthroscopic procedure?
  7. How many wrist arthroscopies have you performed and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific precautions or restrictions after the procedure?
  9. How soon can I return to sports or physical activities after wrist arthroscopy?
  10. Are there any long-term implications or considerations I should be aware of after undergoing wrist arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Tosti R, Shin E. Journal: Hand Clin. 2017 Feb;33(1):107-117. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2016.08.005. PMID: 27886828