[Wrist arthroscopy. Current indications and results].
Arthroscopy of the wrist is a recent technique but already validated for many indications. It rarely gives rise to complications but requires a learning curve just like any other endoscopic procedure. It allows complete visualization of the osseous, articular, synovial and ligamentous structures of the different joints comprising the wrist. There are two main indications for wrist arthroscopy: i) Diagnostic; when other investigations have proved inconclusive (assessment of carpal instabilities, osteochondral fractures and certain synovial pathologies...); ii) therapeutic; these have recently widened in terms of carpal pathology. Lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (traumatic or degenerative) are best diagnosed and treated arthroscopically. Arthroscopic treatment is the least invasive, most effective and safest means of performing procedures such as debridement, TFCC reattachment, and ulna shortening. Other conditions can benefit greatly from wrist arthroscopy such as certain wrist ganglions, rheumatoid synovitis, radiocarpal fractures and some scaphoid fractures. Degenerative pathology of the wrist also presents opportunities for articular debridement ("shaving"), synovectomy or even various "ectomies".
Fontès
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Institut main et sport, clinique générale du sport, 36, boulevard Saint-Marcel, 75005 Paris, France. djfontes@noos.fr
D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*