Hand and Wrist Arthroscopy

What is hand and wrist arthroscopic surgery?

There are many outpatient wrist and hand arthroscopy options that enable patients to return home just hours after a procedure due to smaller incisions, less swelling and quicker recovery times. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method of diagnosing and treating wrist and hand problems. During arthroscopic surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will create a very small incision and insert a small fiber optic instrument called an arthroscope, which is equipped with a miniaturized video camera, to enable the surgeon to see inside the joint without making larger incisions into the muscle and soft tissue. The camera will provide a magnified, high-resolution image of the joint projected onto a monitor in the operating suite. Once this is done, your hand or wrist surgeon can see the affected area and treat the condition using very small instruments inserted through one or more additional small incisions.

Diagnostic arthroscopy is generally considered more accurate than the commonly used nonsurgical studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using the arthroscope, your orthopedic surgeon can carefully analyze the abnormalities and take incisive action to remedy them. In addition, after identifying a problem, doctors are often able to treat it immediately.

Conditions that can be treated using arthroscopic surgery include:

Arthritis of the hand or wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic wrist pain
Dislocations
Wrist fractures / distal radius fracture ( scaphoid bone fracture)
Ganglion cysts
Ligament tears such as a triceps tear
Removal of inflamed tissue that is causing pain and joint damage
Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears

If you and your doctor decide upon arthroscopic surgery, it will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. Hoag Orthopedic Institute implements state-of-the-art operating room equipment in order to facilitate procedures such as arthroscopic surgery. As a part of Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s commitment to a greater standard of service, you will find an impressive one-to-one or one-to-two nurse to patient ratio in outpatient surgery. The quality of care at our Orange County orthopedic facilities is one of the reasons top notch orthopedic surgeons, recognized for expertise in minimally invasive surgery, have aligned their practices with Hoag Orthopedic Institute.

Find a Hand & Wrist Doctor

Take the First Step Towards a Pain Free Future

The orthopedic surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute are recognized as leaders in the field of wrist and hand surgery. We perform many of these procedures at our convenient outpatient surgery locations. When you schedule your arthroscopic surgery, we will make sure to walk you through the process and provide all the information you need for pre and post-operative matters.

The entire Hoag Orthopedic Institute team, from doctors to surgical techs and physical therapists, is dedicated to safety, pain management, and achieving the optimal outcome for our patients. Each surgery requires different periods of immobilization, dressing changes, and wound care. Your doctor will discuss the specifics of your post-operative recovery with you prior to surgery and will follow up after surgery to discuss physical therapy and activity guidelines.

Ready to set up an appointment? Start now by finding an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, your orthopedic hand and wrist specialist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Expect a detailed conversation about when your symptoms began, what movements or activities make them worse, and what treatments you’ve already tried.
Your hand doctor may perform a physical exam and order advanced imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to help pinpoint the source of your pain or dysfunction. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will walk you through all treatment options, from non-surgical care to potential procedures.
Most importantly, you’ll receive clear answers to your questions and a personalized plan designed to support your goals and restore hand and wrist function.
Scheduling an appointment with a qualified hand doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is quick and easy. You can request a consultation online or call our scheduling team directly at (949) 890-0464 to speak with a team member. Our team will help match you with the right hand specialist for your condition, preferences, and availability.
From your very first visit, our team prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. Your orthopedic hand doctor will take the time to fully understand your needs as well as answer all your questions, explain your condition, and walk you through your treatment options.
Whether you need an initial diagnosis or a second opinion, you’ll have access to board-certified orthopedic hand surgeons, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care planning.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our expert hand doctors and orthopedic hand and wrist specialists provide a thorough evaluation to determine the least invasive treatment that meets your needs. Non-surgical care may include activity modification, bracing, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound, and targeted physical therapy — all designed to relieve pain and restore function.
When surgery is your best path forward, our fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons perform advanced procedures ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release to complex tendon, ligament, and joint reconstructions. Many operations are performed with robotic assistance and arthroscopic tools to support faster healing and better long-term outcomes.
Whether your pain and dysfunction are caused by arthritis, nerve compression, or a traumatic injury, our orthopedic hand doctors tailor your treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, your care is led by nationally recognized orthopedic hand doctors and fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists who use the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available today. From robotic-assisted procedures to minimally invasive surgery, our orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons focus on achieving the best possible outcomes with less pain and faster, more complete recovery.
Every patient benefits from personalized treatment planning, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a compassionate, collaborative care team. Whether you need a hand surgeon for complex trauma or a hand specialist treating chronic joint pain, Hoag Orthopedic Institute delivers exceptional, patient-centered care you can trust.
Our highly trained hand doctors and specialists provide expert treatment designed to meet your specific needs and goals.

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