Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for Diagnostic Arthroscopic Procedures on the Wrist

Common name(s): Wrist Arthroscopy Anesthesia Technical/medical terms: Wrist Arthroscopic Surgery with Anesthesia

Summary

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical instruments to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions within the wrist joint. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

Purpose

The purpose of wrist arthroscopy is to diagnose and sometimes treat issues within the wrist joint. This procedure is beneficial for identifying the cause of wrist pain, inflammation, or joint dysfunction that cannot be accurately diagnosed through non-invasive means.

Indications

• Persistent wrist pain
• Swelling or inflammation
• Limited range of motion or stiffness
• Suspected cartilage or ligament injuries
• Inconclusive imaging results that require direct visualization

Preparation

• Fasting for 6-12 hours prior to the procedure
• Stopping certain medications as advised by your doctor
• Undergoing pre-procedure tests such as blood tests, ECG, or imaging studies

Procedure Description

1. Pre-Procedure: The anesthesiologist will administer either regional anesthesia (nerve block) or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's medical condition and preference.
2. Arthroscopy: The surgeon makes small incisions in the wrist and inserts the arthroscope along with other tiny surgical instruments. The camera provides live images to a monitor, guiding the surgeon to diagnose or treat the problem.
3. Closure: Once the procedure is completed, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures or steri-strips.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Setting

Wrist arthroscopy is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurse
• Operating room technician

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: bleeding, infection at the incision site, allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Rare risks: nerve damage, blood clots, chronic pain, complications due to anesthesia

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of wrist conditions
• Minimally invasive with faster recovery time compared to open surgery
• Reduced risk of infection and scarring
• Immediate visual confirmation of joint issues

Recovery

• Post-procedure: Observation in the recovery room until the anesthesia wears off
• Short-term: Initial soreness and swelling, managed with pain medications and ice
• Long-term: Physical therapy might be recommended to restore movement and strength
• Expected recovery time: Several days to weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure

Alternatives

• Non-invasive imaging techniques (MRI, CT scan)
• Conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications
• Open wrist surgery, which is more invasive but may be necessary for certain conditions

Patient Experience

• During: Patients won't feel any pain due to the anesthesia but might feel pressure or movement.
• After: Some discomfort or mild pain managed by prescribed pain relief medications. Most patients feel well enough to go home the same day. There may be activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor recovery and remove sutures if applicable.