Our Summary

The research paper discusses a review of 34 initial wrist dry arthroscopy procedures performed under local anesthesia. This procedure uses a small, single-use device called a chip-on-tip system. Out of the 34 patients, 13 had recent injuries and all of these patients had an MRI scan before the arthroscopy. In total, 20 patients had an MRI scan before the procedure. The procedure is used to diagnose and plan treatment for patients with wrist pain who are suspected of having torn ligaments. The study found two main benefits of using the chip-on-tip system: the procedure is simple and minimally invasive due to the small size of the device. This makes it suitable to be performed under local anesthesia. The study concludes that this arthroscopy system is a safe and cost-effective alternative to an MRI scan for diagnosing wrist conditions. It is minimally invasive and well suited for use with local anesthesia.

FAQs

  1. What is the main advantage of using the needle chip-on-tip system for wrist arthroscopy?
  2. How does the needle chip-on-tip arthroscopy system compare to wrist MRI in terms of diagnostic ability and cost-efficiency?
  3. Can the needle chip-on-tip arthroscopy system be used as a diagnostic tool for patients with wrist pain and suspected ligament tears?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about wrist arthroscopy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the wrist elevated, applying ice to reduce swelling, and performing prescribed exercises to aid in recovery and rehabilitation. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for wrist arthroscopy include those with wrist pain and suspected ligament tears, as well as those with acute injuries. The procedure can be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the extent of the injury and plan appropriate treatment. Wrist arthroscopy using a needle chip-on-tip system in wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) has been shown to be a safe and cost-efficient alternative to wrist MRI with superior diagnostic ability. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure, as well as the small needle size, make it well suited for WALANT and can provide significant benefits for patients undergoing wrist arthroscopy.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences wrist pain or discomfort
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the cause of the pain
  • Treatment plan is discussed with the patient, which may include wrist arthroscopy

After wrist arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes wrist arthroscopy in WALANT
  • Procedure is performed using a single-use, 1.9 mm chip-on-tip system
  • Wrist ligament tears or other issues are identified and treated during the arthroscopy
  • Patient experiences minimal pain and discomfort post-procedure
  • Patient can resume normal activities relatively quickly due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure
  • Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor healing and recovery progress

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific wrist conditions or injuries can be diagnosed and treated with wrist arthroscopy?
  2. What are the potential risks or complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  3. How long is the recovery time after wrist arthroscopy and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need any additional imaging or tests before the wrist arthroscopy procedure?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for wrist arthroscopy?
  6. How experienced are you in performing wrist arthroscopy procedures?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the wrist arthroscopy procedure?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the wrist arthroscopy procedure?
  9. How successful is wrist arthroscopy in relieving pain and improving function in the wrist?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and expectations following wrist arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Reiser D, Hedspång M, Sagerfors M. Journal: Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2022 Dec 1;26(4):246-249. doi: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000393. PMID: 35698296