Diagnostic and therapeutic significance of arthroscopy in distal radius fracture

Non-operative and minimal-invasive treatment of distal radius fractures have still a poor outcome. Although bony structures often heal acceptable, additional lesions of intraarticular ligamentous structures cause persistent pain and disability. Aim of the study was to present the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of arthroscopically assisted treatment of distal radius fractures. Diagnostic wrist arthroscopy found in 6 of 30 patients with distal radius fractures (23 AO type C fractures) a scapho-lunate ligament tear (20%) of which 3 had to be stabilized operatively. 18 patients (60%) presented with tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex [Palmer classification: 1A (1); 1B (5); 1D (2); 1A, 1B (2); 1A, 1D (6); 1B, 1D (2)], which were repaired by arthroscopic shaving (n = 12), Kirschner wire stabilization of ulna head (n = 2) or arthroscopic suture (n = 3). Fractures were stabilized in most cases by combinations of canulated titan screws (3.0 mm) and Kirschner wires (n = 12). In 27 patients, the radial joint surface and the distal radio-ulnar joint could be reconstructed without any specific complications. Arthroscopic reduction of distal radius fractures allows minimal-invasive reconstruction of the joint surface, diagnoses relevant ligamentous tears and should applied with incongruencies of the joint surface greater than 2 mm and in widely dislocated fractures.