About Wrist Arthroscopy

What is it and what are my treatment options?

Wrist Arthroscopy Overview

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a variety of wrist injuries and conditions. Wrist tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone abnormalities and injuries are treated and recovery is much shorter than traditional open incision surgery. Wrist pain patients are encouraged to make an appointment with a Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) to receive an official diagnosis and find out if wrist arthroscopy is an appropriate treatment option.

How is wrist arthroscopy performed?

Outpatient wrist arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. A CONA specialist:

Begins surgery. A fiber optic arthroscopic is carefully guided into the wrist joint.

  1. Restores the joint. Tiny instruments are used to correct any joint abnormalities.
  2. Ends surgery. Removable sutures close the skin. A sterile dressing is placed over the surgical site. A soft dressing and splint are placed on the wrist for protection and immobilization purposes.

Total procedure time depends on the procedure performed. Generally speaking, procedures last 30-90 minutes.

What conditions can total wrist arthroscopy treat?

After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hand specialist may recommend wrist arthroscopy to treat:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
  • Chronic wrist pain
  • Ganglion cysts
  • Ligament tears
  • Wrist fractures

In some cases, wrist arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnostic purposes.

What are wrist arthroscopy advantages?

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment option that is recommended when nonsurgical treatment options do not effectively treat a condition or injury. Key advantages include:

  • A quick recovery
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Less surgical trauma


Patients who need physical therapy respond much better to physical therapy protocols than patients who undergo open incision surgery. It should be noted that wrist arthroscopy is not for everyone. Traditional surgery benefits many patients and may be an appropriate treatment option.

What is wrist arthroscopy recovery like?

Wrist arthroscopy recovery depends on the procedure performed. CONA specialists explain every step of the recovery process during consultations before surgery. Detailed instructions are given to patients so they know exactly what to expect.

Make an Appointment
with A Hand Specialist

Wrist arthroscopy is a great treatment option that benefits many patients. To find out if you are a wrist arthroscopy candidate, please make an appointment with a Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained CONA hand specialist.

what Our Patients Are Saying

Read Their Success Stories

I am happy with this practice all my questions are answered within 24 hours. Dr. Hoenig is great, his bedside manner is wonderful, he is very thorough, and makes personal calls after surgery to check on patients. I would definitely recommend to family and friends!

Tori S.

Dr. Hoenig

This has been one of my most positive experiences at a Dr's office. I was treated with respect and love. They made my surgical procedure less stressful and very positive.

Mindy U.

General Practice

These are the best group of doctors that myself & my family have ever been treated by in this field of medicine. They listen to how you feel instead of telling you how you feel. Thank you all for your caring & kindness.

Lori L.

General Practice

4 Convenient Locations

NORTH GROVE CAMPUS

1330 Boiling Springs Road
Suite 1600
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

DUNCAN OFFICE

115 Deacon Tiller Ct.
Duncan, SC 29334
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

NEUROSURGERY OFFICE

1075 Boiling Springs Road
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Doctor Mina Office

2755 South Highway 14
Suite 2350
Greer, SC 29650
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.