Instrumentation for small joints: the arthroscope.
This first of three articles on arthroscopy of small joints is a brief overview of the current arthroscopes and the modifications that have made arthroscopy of small joint spaces possible. Those modifications include angulation at 25-30 degrees, improved low-light, high-resolution chip cameras, and use without a bulky camera adapter. The largest possible arthroscope should be used, but size is limited in diameter to 2.0 mm for the distal radioulnar and temporomandibular joints, 2.7 mm for the midcarpal joint, and 3.0 mm for the radiocarpal joint. The need to have high-quality repair service available is stressed.
Poehling
G G
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Department of Surgery, Wake Forest University Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
D020679:Arthroscopes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010781:Photography / Q000295:instrumentation