
SERVICES
Upper Limb and Hand Pathology
Wrist Arthroscopy
OVERVIEW
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopaedic surgeons like Dr Jason du Plessis to examine, diagnose, and treat various conditions affecting the wrist joint. This advanced technique involves the use of a tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, which is placed through small incisions in the wrist. Dr du Plessis utilises his expertise in orthopaedic surgery to navigate the arthroscope and address issues within the joint, providing patients with an effective and less invasive option for managing wrist problems.
Types of wrist arthroscopy
Dr Jason du Plessis specialises in several types of wrist arthroscopy tailored to address specific conditions. Some common types include:
- Diagnostic arthroscopy: Utilised to identify the source of wrist pain or discomfort by examining the joint's structures.
- Therapeutic arthroscopy: Involves the treatment of various wrist conditions, such as ligament injuries, cartilage damage, or inflammation.
- Joint debridement: Dr du Plessis may perform joint debridement to remove damaged tissue and smooth surfaces or repair small tears in the ligaments.
CAUSES
Several factors may lead to the need for wrist arthroscopy, including:
- Trauma: Injuries such as dislocations, ligament tears or injuries to the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) may necessitate surgical intervention.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage, leading to the need for arthroscopic procedures.
- Repetitive stress: Occupational or sports-related activities that involve repetitive motion can contribute to wrist injuries requiring arthroscopy.
- Persistent pain: Chronic or acute wrist pain that does not improve with conservative measures.
- Limited range of motion: Difficulty moving the wrist or performing daily activities.
- Swelling and inflammation: Visible swelling or inflammation around the wrist joint.
- Locking or catching sensation: Feeling as though the wrist joint "catches" or "locks" during movement.
Conservative treatment:
- Rest and immobilisation: Allowing the wrist joint to rest and heal, often facilitated by splints or braces.
- Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms.
FAQ
PUBLICATIONS
Assessment of the Reliability and Reproducibility of the Langenskiöld
Classification in Blount’s Disease
DU PLESSIS J, Firth GB, Robertson A. Assessment of the reliability and reproducibility of the Langenskiöld classification in Blount's disease. Journal of Pediatric orthopedics. Part B. 2019 Nov 12.
The Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg
Foster M, Du Plessis J, Jansen van Vuuren M, Jingo M, Pietrzak JR. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg. SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2022;21(2):70-5.
Short term results following two stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection
DU PLESSIS, J et al. Short-term results following two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. South African Orthopaedic Journal, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 64-69, may 2020
Comparison of visual estimations of distal radius fracture radiographic parameters between different levels of orthopaedic doctors.
Naidoo V, Milner B, du Plessis J. SA Orthop J. 2025;24(1):26-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2025/v24n1a4
