INTRODUCTION

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat the disorders of the wrist by using small incisions (portals) and instruments. Wrist arthroscopy continues to grow in popularity as a feasible adjunct in the management of disorders of the wrist. The procedure enables evaluation and detection of carpal structures under bright magnifying conditions with minimal morbidity as compared with arthrotomy.

INDICATIONS

It allows the visualization of the cartilage surfaces of all bones in the wrist and better evaluation of the ligaments between the various bones of the wrist.

Initially wrist arthroscopy was used as a diagnostic tool to confirm ligament, cartilage tears, or inflammatory processes. Now many of these problems are also treated arthroscopically. The indications includes synovial biopsies or debridements, repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), stabilization procedures for ligament disruptions and carpal instabilities, removing ganglion stalk, reducing distal radius fractures,  and removing bone fragments or loose bodies.

TECHNIQUE

Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a lighted tube less than 2mm in diameter connected to a camera is placed into the wrist joint by using small incisions in the skin (about 5mm long). The camera lens magnifies and projects the small structures in the wrist onto a television monitor, allowing for more accurate diagnosis. The wrist is usually distracted and fluid is infused into the joint to expand the joint and allow improved visualization during the procedure.

ADVANTAJES

The advantages of arthroscopic surgery over traditional surgery include:

– Smaller surgical incisions which result in less scarring and a lower infection rate

– Less trauma to tissues

– Less pain and a quicker recovery period

– Earlier mobilization following surgery

– A shorter hospital stay