Techniques, Recovery, CPT Code & Treatment For Wrist Arthroscopy

Submitted by Nic on December 26, 2012

The wrist is made up of a total of 13 bones, 8 bones that make up the carpal bones, adjoining the forearm, and the metacarpal bones, which make up the palm. Wrist injuries are very common, especially as we age, and wrist arthroscopy is considered a very good option for treating such injuries.

The wrist joint is a synovial joint, which is the most common joint in the body. The human body differs from machines in that mobile joints in machines are externally accessible and can be interlocked. The human body, on the other hand, does not have any interlocking joints, but provides just as much, if not more, range in movement because joints are held in place and supported by strong ligaments and muscles.

In order that the portion of the bones where movement occurs does not wear away, nature has come up with a unique lubricating system, where a very small amount of fluid separates and cushions the joint. The fluid is retained in place by the synovial membrane, which ensures that it is not squeezed out of the joint during high impact movements such as running, jumping, etc.

Wrist arthroscopy treatment is usually performed to rectify damage in the synovial membrane of the wrist.

Technique Used

Wrist arthroscopy technique is very similar to arthroscopy performed on other joints. A small probe with a camera is introduced into the joint and hooked up to a monitor; the surgeon can then view what he/she is doing. Another incision provides access for the use of miniaturized instruments that the surgeon will use to perform the surgery.

Recovery

Arthroscopy is fast becoming very popular, especially in dealing with injuries of and to the wrist, because of the quick recovery times. When the extent of damage to the joints is low, complete movement is restored immediately, and except for a little bit of stiffness and pain, which goes within a week, there is no recovery period at all.

In more severe cases such as when a bone may have to be scraped, the recovery periods are naturally longer. However, because of the minimal invasiveness of the procedure, arthroscopy requires much less recovery time when compared to open surgery.

The wrist arthroscopy CPT code is basically a five digit number that describes exactly the procedure. This information is maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and is used by insurance companies to establish their charge. Very often a single code does not cover the entire service and multiple codes will be used.

References

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