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Wrist Arthroscopy

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Diagnostic and therapeutic wrist arthroscopy — what it is, when it's used, and recovery.

Updated Aug 2026

Why this operation has been suggested¶

Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. For long-standing problems we usually try non-operative care first and consider surgery when that has not given enough improvement. For structural issues, surgery may be recommended straight away.

We offer wrist arthroscopy to diagnose and treat internal wrist damage when other treatments fail. It allows us to see inside the joint to fix tears, remove loose pieces, or smooth worn surfaces. Participants who underwent this investigation for persistent wrist pain improved on average by approximately 50% at one year. Most participants continued to have some pain and disability at one year. The operation aims to reduce pain and improve your wrist function and stability.

Before the operation¶

Please fast for seven hours before your surgery. This allows your surgeon to bring you forward if the list runs early. Stop taking certain medications as your surgeon will advise. Arrange a lift home and wear comfortable clothing. Bring a list of your current medicines. You should bring recent imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to help plan the operation. Blood tests and an anaesthetic review are not routine for everyone. If you have other medical conditions, you may need these checks. Your surgeon will guide you on what is needed for your specific case.

On the day¶

You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. You meet the anaesthetist to discuss your care. This operation is done under general anaesthetic. You will be fully asleep for the operation. Some patients may also have a regional nerve block for post-operative pain relief — the anaesthetist decides on the day based on your individual circumstances.

You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.

What the operation involves¶

Wrist arthroscopy uses a small camera and tiny instruments passed through several small keyhole cuts on your wrist. This allows your surgeon to look inside the joint and treat many different conditions. The procedure can diagnose issues like torn ligaments or cartilage damage, or treat problems such as arthritis, ganglion cysts, and unstable bones.

During the operation, your surgeon may clean out inflamed tissue, remove loose fragments, or repair torn structures like the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) or ligaments. In some cases, small amounts of bone may be removed to relieve pressure or improve movement. Your surgeon might also use small anchors or sutures to reattach tissues to the bone, or place grafts to help heal non-union fractures. The specific steps depend on what is found inside your wrist.

The cuts are closed with sutures (stitches) alone. There are no staples or skin glue used for the closure. This approach allows your surgeon to address complex wrist issues with minimal invasion, helping to restore function and reduce pain where possible.

After the operation¶

You will wake up in the recovery ward. Your surgeon will manage your pain using general methods. You will have a dressing and a splint on your wrist. This is usually a day case, so you can expect to go home the same day, although occasionally patients stay overnight. Someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours. You must not drive while in the splint. Most patients return to driving within two to three weeks once the splint is off and they can hold the wheel comfortably. See Driving after upper-limb surgery for more details.

Recovery¶

Your wrist will feel sore and swollen in the first few days. This is normal. We keep your hand elevated to help the swelling go down. You may need to rest your hand often. Pain usually eases as the swelling settles. We will give you medicine to keep you comfortable.

You will wear a splint or cast to protect your wrist. Do not drive while wearing this support. You can return to driving once the splint is off and you can hold the wheel comfortably. See our guide on driving after upper-limb surgery for more details.

We refer you to Ruby Doolan, a hand therapist at Extend Rehabilitation, for your recovery exercises. She directs your therapy and makes any splint you need. You do not see a physiotherapist for this care. Ruby will teach you gentle movements to restore motion. You will start with simple hand exercises. As your grip strengthens, you can return to daily tasks.

Your timeline may differ from others. Your surgeon and hand therapist will guide you based on how your wrist heals.

What can go wrong¶

Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.

The posterior interosseous nerve is a small nerve in your forearm. It helps control some of your hand muscles. During the procedure, this nerve can sometimes be irritated or injured. You might notice numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers after the surgery. You may also feel weak when trying to move your wrist or fingers. If you experience these symptoms, tell your surgeon at your next appointment. They will check your nerve function and advise you on the next steps.

Traction is used to gently stretch your wrist during the operation. This involves placing a device on your fingers to create space in the joint. If too much force is applied, it can cause pain in your finger joints after the surgery. You might also notice bruising or tenderness on the soft tissues of your hand. In rare cases, the digital nerves in your fingers can be affected. This may lead to pain or altered sensation in your fingertips. If you have persistent finger pain or unusual tenderness, mention it to your care team so they can assess the area.

Irrigation fluid is used to wash out the joint during arthroscopy. Sometimes, this fluid can leak into the surrounding tissues instead of staying in the joint. This is called extravasation. If too much fluid builds up, it can cause a serious condition known as compartment syndrome. This happens when pressure inside your arm becomes too high. You might feel a deep, throbbing pain that does not ease with simple painkillers. Your arm may look swollen, feel tight, or become pale. This is a medical emergency. If you notice sudden, severe swelling or pain that seems out of proportion to your recovery, go to the emergency department immediately or call for help.

The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.

When to call us¶

Call us if you notice fever, spreading redness, or discharge from your wrist. Seek emergency care for sudden severe pain, calf swelling, or shortness of breath. Contact us immediately if you lose sensation in your hand or cannot move your fingers. These signs need urgent assessment. We are here to help you stay safe during recovery.

Where to read more¶

This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Wrist Ligament Injuries page.

Where to read more about the condition¶

This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Wrist Ligament Injuries page.

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