Arthroscopic Surgery
Samuel S. Abrams, MD
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon located in Asheville, Arden, & Hendersonville, NC
Arthroscopic surgery can diagnose and treat problems inside your wrist joint and many of the small joints in your hand without a large incision. Board-certified hand and upper-extremity orthopedic surgeon Samuel S. Abrams, MD, offers wrist and small joint arthroscopy with state-of-the-art NanoScope™ technology at three locations in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Arden, North Carolina. For advanced care in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, call your nearest office, or book an appointment online today.
Arthroscopic Surgery Q & A
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses a small, flexible fiber optic camera called an arthroscope to look inside your joint. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique because it only requires tiny incisions that are only a few milimeters long.
In addition to traditional wrist arthroscopy, Dr. Abrams also uses the Arthrex® NanoScope. This advanced technology allows him to diagnose and treat problems in very small joints of your hand and wrist with a needle-sized, single-use scope.
Why would I need arthroscopic surgery?
Dr. Abrams uses wrist and small joint arthroscopy for diagnostic purposes as well as to perform surgical treatments. You may need diagnostic wrist or hand arthroscopy if a physical exam and imaging tests don’t provide enough information about what’s causing your hand, wrist, or elbow pain.
If Dr. Abrams finds a problem during diagnostic wrist arthroscopy, he may treat it in the same procedure. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to treat many conditions that affect the hand, wrist, and elbow, including:
- Ligament tears
- Ganglion cysts
- TFCC tears
- Chronic joint pain
- Bone spurs
He may also use arthroscopic surgery to remove small pieces of cartilage or other tissue that breaks off and floats around inside your wrist joint causing pain.
What should I expect from arthroscopic surgery?
First, Dr. Abrams spends time reviewing your symptoms and medical history, as well as any imaging tests, to make sure arthroscopic surgery is right for you. He discusses all your treatment options and answers your questions so you can make an informed decision.
Because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, you experience less pain and a faster/easier recovery. A home exercise regimen or work with Occupational therapy can help you regain strength and range of motion after surgery.
To learn about your options for minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the hand and wrist, call Samuel S. Abrams, MD, or book an appointment online today.