[Arthroscopy of the trapeziometacarpal joint: anatomical study on cadavers].
BACKGROUND
Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the hand for which a variety of surgical procedures have been developed. Arthroscopic techniques offer good results, although they have not been standardized.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the main anatomical structures in relation to arthroscopy portals from the trapeziometacarpal joint and to determine their security area.


METHODS
We conducted a transversal and descriptive study in which the anatomy was analyzed in seven cadaveric specimens. Fourteen thumbs were dissected after the arthroscopic portals were made. In all of the specimens the distance between the radial artery, the articular line and the arthroscopy portals was measured.


RESULTS
The radial artery was found dorsal to the Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL), 4-5 mm proximal to the dorsal arthroscopic portal, 4-8 mm to the articular line and 8-11 mm to the Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB). In two cases sensitive branches of the radial nerve were found through the dorsal portal.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomical evaluation defined a secure area for the dorsal portal between the EPL and the EPB. The proximal radial zone to the EPL must be avoided so that the dorsal branch of the radial nerve is not damaged.
Espinosa Gutiérrez
Alejandro
A
Servicio de Cirugía de la Mano y Microcirugía, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Camino a Santa Teresa Núm. 1055, Torre de especialidades quirúrgicas, Consultorio 1178, Col. Héroes de Padierna, C.P. 10700, DF Mexico. aeg278@prodigy.com
Trujillo Millán
Alejandro
A
Ramírez Lozano
Gabriel
G
Romo Rodríguez
Ranulfo
R
Zárate Ramírez
Gerardo
G
D001182:Arthroscopy; D002102:Cadaver; D052737:Carpometacarpal Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D051222:Trapezium Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology*