Our Summary

This study looked at a method for identifying a certain kind of wrist injury called a traumatic arthrotomy, which if not recognized can lead to serious complications like septic arthritis. They used a common test which involves injecting saline, in this case dyed with methylene blue, into the wrist of a cadaver and tracking how much was needed before it started leaking out of the injury.

The researchers found that on average, they needed to inject about 1.22 mL of saline to identify the injury, but the amount varied from 0.1-3.1 mL. They also found that the amount of saline needed was not significantly affected by the age of the cadaver, which hand the injury was on, or how much the wrist could extend. However, wrists with a greater range of motion did need more saline to identify the injury.

The researchers concluded that 2.68 mL and 3.02 mL of saline were needed to diagnose a traumatic wrist arthrotomy with 95% and 99% certainty, respectively. They recommend using at least 3.1 mL of saline to evaluate this type of wrist injury.

FAQs

  1. What is the method used for identifying a traumatic arthrotomy?
  2. What factors did the study find affect the amount of saline needed to identify the injury?
  3. How much saline did the researchers recommend using to evaluate a traumatic wrist arthrotomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about wrist arthroscopy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include keeping the wrist elevated, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended wrist arthroscopy are those who have sustained a traumatic wrist injury, such as a wrist arthrotomy, that may require surgical intervention. Wrist arthroscopy is often used to diagnose and treat various conditions, including ligament tears, cartilage injuries, and fractures in the wrist joint. Additionally, patients with chronic wrist pain or limited range of motion that has not improved with conservative treatment may also be recommended for wrist arthroscopy to further evaluate and address the underlying issue.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences wrist pain or discomfort.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination and imaging tests to diagnose the issue.
  3. Once a traumatic wrist arthrotomy is suspected, the saline test may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes wrist arthroscopy procedure to repair the traumatic wrist arthrotomy.
  2. Recovery period begins, which may involve physical therapy and pain management.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the wrist is functioning properly.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities as advised by their healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about wrist arthroscopy include:

  1. What is wrist arthroscopy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  3. What is the success rate of wrist arthroscopy for treating my specific condition?
  4. What is the recovery process like after wrist arthroscopy and how long will it take for me to fully recover?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to wrist arthroscopy that I should consider?
  6. How many wrist arthroscopy procedures have you performed and what is your experience with this technique?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before undergoing wrist arthroscopy?
  8. What can I expect during the wrist arthroscopy procedure itself?
  9. How long will the effects of wrist arthroscopy last and will I need any follow-up appointments or treatments?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should follow after undergoing wrist arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Scollan JP, Chughtai M, Churchill JL, Emara AK, Brej B, Steckler A, Ferre A, Saluan P, Styron JF. Journal: Hand (N Y). 2023 Oct;18(7):1148-1151. doi: 10.1177/15589447211043194. Epub 2022 Mar 27. PMID: 35343259