A Minimally Invasive Path to a Clear Diagnosis and Lasting Relief.
If you’ve been dealing with wrist pain that doesn’t make sense—clicking, catching, locking, or simply aching through everyday tasks—you know how disruptive it can be. When imaging doesn’t offer answers and the advice is to “wait and see,” the uncertainty can be just as exhausting as the pain itself.
Wrist arthroscopy provides a minimally invasive way to look directly inside the wrist, understand what’s happening, and often treat the issue at the same time.
The wrist is a compact and complex joint made up of many bones, ligaments, and cartilage surfaces. Because of this complexity, standard imaging such as X-rays or MRIs sometimes fails to provide a clear explanation for persistent symptoms.
Wrist arthroscopy is widely used when wrist pain remains unexplained or when conservative treatments have not led to improvement. It brings clarity to situations where other methods fall short.
During wrist arthroscopy, a slender, high-definition camera is inserted through a small incision to allow direct visualization of the joint. A second small incision allows specialized instruments to examine or treat tissues inside the wrist.
This method provides two key benefits:
The surgeon can directly evaluate cartilage surfaces, ligaments, and joint spaces.
Many issues—including TFCC tears, loose fragments, cartilage wear, and ligament problems—can be addressed during the same procedure.
You may be a suitable candidate if you experience:
If you have been searching for wrist arthroscopy Vancouver or minimally invasive wrist surgery BC, these are the common scenarios that lead people to consider arthroscopy.
Public wait lists for imaging or specialist evaluation can be lengthy. During the wait, it’s common for pain to interfere with work, hobbies, and daily routines.
Private wrist arthroscopy offers a more direct route to answers: quicker consultation, earlier diagnosis, and faster access to treatment options. Instead of months of uncertainty, you can move forward with clarity sooner.
Wrist arthroscopy requires focused training and technical skill. Dr. Rod French is an internationally recognized surgeon in this field and serves as guest Faculty for the wrist arthroscopy course offered annually through the International Wrist Arthroscopy Society in Strasbourg, France.
Patients benefit from this experience through precise technique and a high level of specialization.
The process begins with a detailed appointment in which Dr. French reviews your history, examines your wrist, and discusses whether arthroscopy may be appropriate.
You’ll receive clear instructions on pre-operative preparation and what to expect during the early days of recovery.
Wrist arthroscopy is a day procedure, performed in a private facility. You will be comfortable under anesthesia and return home the same day with guidance for the initial healing period.
Most patients experience a smoother recovery compared to traditional open surgery, including:
A specialized recovery plan will be tailored to your needs, often involving a hand therapist to support safe and effective rehabilitation.
Most patients wear a splint for one to two weeks. Light activity usually resumes within a few weeks, and more physically demanding work or sports typically take two to three months.
You will be comfortable during the procedure under anesthesia. After surgery, discomfort is generally manageable and often less than what is typical after open surgery.
It can evaluate and treat TFCC tears, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, loose bodies, and synovitis.
Although complications are uncommon, potential risks include infection, nerve or tendon irritation, stiffness, and rarely complex regional pain syndrome. These will be reviewed during your consultation.
If wrist pain has been affecting your work, recreation, or daily activities, taking the next step toward a clear diagnosis can make a meaningful difference.
