title: Wrist arthroscopy: indications and results.
abstract: The results of 84 wrist arthroscopies in 74 patients (performed by the same surgeon) were reviewed retrospectively. Arthroscopies were categorized as "diagnostic"--to identify unknown pathology, "staging"--to assess the severity of known pathology, and "operative"--to treat known pathology. Ninety-eight percent of diagnostic arthroscopies accurately established details of the pathology in question. Ninety-six percent of staging arthroscopies helped guide future clinical management. Of the patients in the operative category, 35% improved after treatment with arthroscopy alone, requiring no further surgical intervention. This study shows that wrist arthroscopy is a powerful diagnostic and staging tool and suggests that it may also develop into a valuable treatment modality.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Nagle
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Benson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery*