Our Summary

This research paper examined how wrist surgeries affected the careers of Major League Baseball (MLB) players. They looked at players who underwent a specific type of wrist surgery, called arthroscopic wrist surgery, between 1990 and 2019. The study found that the majority (84%) of players were able to return to the sport, typically within about 5 months. However, their performance levels did decrease after surgery. They scored fewer runs per season, had lower batting averages, and contributed less to their team’s wins. Despite these decreases, their post-surgery performance was not significantly different than that of other players who did not have the surgery. The researchers concluded that while this surgery does allow most players to return to the sport, it may negatively impact their performance levels.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of MLB players were able to return to the sport after undergoing arthroscopic wrist surgery according to the study?
  2. How did the performance levels of players change after undergoing arthroscopic wrist surgery?
  3. Was the post-surgery performance of players who underwent arthroscopic wrist surgery significantly different from players who did not have the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering wrist arthroscopy that while the surgery can help alleviate pain and improve function in the wrist, it may also result in a decrease in performance levels in certain activities, such as sports. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about their post-surgery capabilities and to follow a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to optimize their recovery and return to their desired level of activity.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended wrist arthroscopy are those who have persistent wrist pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability that has not improved with conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or injections. Some common conditions that may benefit from wrist arthroscopy include:

  • Wrist ligament tears or instability
  • Wrist fractures or dislocations
  • Wrist arthritis
  • Ganglion cysts
  • Tendon injuries or tears
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Synovitis or inflammation of the wrist joint

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by 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 and/or stiffness that does not improve with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their wrist pain.
  3. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon who recommends wrist arthroscopy as a treatment option.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for wrist arthroscopy.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes wrist arthroscopy surgery, which is typically performed as a minimally invasive procedure under general anesthesia.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrist following surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and physical therapy.
  3. Patient begins a rehabilitation program to strengthen the wrist and improve range of motion.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and sports participation, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
  5. Patient follows up with their surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor their recovery progress and address any concerns.
  6. Patient may experience improvements in their wrist pain and function over time, with most patients able to return to their pre-surgery level of activity within a few months.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is wrist arthroscopy and how does it differ from other wrist surgeries?
  2. Why do I need wrist arthroscopy and what are the potential benefits?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy?
  4. What is the success rate of wrist arthroscopy in terms of pain relief and function improvement?
  5. What is the typical recovery time and rehabilitation process after wrist arthroscopy?
  6. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery and for how long?
  7. How will wrist arthroscopy affect my ability to return to sports or physical activities?
  8. Are there any long-term implications or limitations I should be aware of after wrist arthroscopy?
  9. What are the alternative treatment options to wrist arthroscopy and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness?
  10. Do you have experience performing wrist arthroscopy and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Orozco EI, Guloy AE, Cotton MO, Jack RA, Liberman SR. Journal: Hand (N Y). 2022 Nov;17(6):1269-1277. doi: 10.1177/15589447211028923. Epub 2021 Aug 25. PMID: 34433335