Wrist arthroscopy: current concepts

Wrist arthroscopy has steadily grown from a mostly diagnostic tool to a valuable adjunctive procedure in the treatment of myriad wrist disorders. The number of conditions that are amenable to arthroscopic treatment continues to grow. A detailed knowledge of the topographical and intracarpal anatomy, however, is essential to minimize complications and maximize the benefits. Although wrist arthroscopy can identify an anatomic abnormality, it cannot be used to differentiate between an asymptomatic degenerative condition versus a pathologic lesion that is the cause of wrist pain. A thorough wrist examination is still integral to any arthroscopic assessment. This article focuses on the methodology behind a normal arthroscopic wrist examination and discusses some of the more standard arthroscopic procedures along with the expected outcomes.     

Dry arthroscopy of the wrist: surgical technique

PURPOSE: To present a method to perform arthroscopic exploration and instrumentation without infusing any fluid. METHODS: The hand is suspended from a bow, with traction on all fingers. Portals are developed as in the classic (wet) wrist arthroscopic procedure except that no water is infused to distend the joint and create the optic cavity. For this procedure the joint must be dried; we use suction through the synoviotomes and neurosurgical patties to accomplish this. RESULTS: We have performed more than 100 wrist arthroscopies using the dry technique without any undue difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: The dry technique is as effective as the classic procedure, without the cumbersome leakage of water or the risk of compartment syndrome. It allows some sophisticated arthroscopic procedures to be performed that would be impracticable with water. In addition from these benefits, if open surgery is performed after the arthroscopic exploration then the tissue planes are dry, making surgery much easier. The technique is believed to be inappropriate if thermal probes are used. A learning curve exists.     

Basics of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy

Minimal access surgery has considerably progressed in recent years. This has also led to advancements in the area of wrist arthroscopy, which has gained widespread acceptance. The complex nature of the carpus poses particularly difficult diagnostic dilemmas in the management of chronic wrist conditions and injuries of the wrist joint. Arthroscopic procedures involve less surgical dissection, better visualization and classification of lesions, less post-operative pain and a shorter recovery time for the patient. This article focuses on the indications, pre-operative assessment, theatre protocol and complications of wrist arthroscopy.     

Techniques of wrist arthroscopy

Wrist arthroscopy is a promising new technique for the evaluation of wrist pain or dysfunction. Cadaveric wrist specimens were used to devise safe and advantageous entry portals for arthroscopy and to establish respective advantages for each portal. Thirty-five clinical cases were used to correlate the laboratory experience and to refine a reproducible surgical technique. Seven portals are useful: five in the radiocarpal interval, one in the midcarpal area, and one in the distal radioulnar joint space. Detailed wrist anatomy is reviewed in this paper and must be thoroughly understood to interpret arthroscopic views. Blunt subcutaneous dissection protects cutaneous nerve branches at the various portals. Intraoperative photographs illustrate the excellent perspectives achieved using these techniques.     

Bare bones: Fundamentals of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy

Diagnostic wrist arthroscopy is an essential component of the modern orthopaedic wrist surgeon's skill set. Fundamental elements of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy include pre-operative planning and consent, operative set up, surface anatomy, a systematic approach and applied clinical anatomy, and closure. These fundamentals are described, including options and preferences for implementation. A sound understanding of these elements is key to lay the foundations for successful clinical procedures.     

Arthroscopic management of dorsal wrist impingement

Dorsal wrist impingement (DWI) occurs when the dorsal wrist capsule becomes trapped and pinched between the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid. The diagnosis is purely clinical and depends on accurate localization by history and during examination as well as carefully ruling out alternative etiologies for dorsal wrist pain. Nonsurgical treatment is based on corticosteroid injection and activity modification. In resistant cases, arthroscopic resection of the involved segment of dorsal capsule offers a reliable solution for the problem.     

Radiocarpal arthroscopy and arthrography in the diagnosis of ulnar wrist pain

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare arthroscopy with arthrography in the diagnosis of ulnar wrist pain. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with ulnar wrist pain but normal routine and stress radiographs had dynamic and static radiocarpal arthrograms (R.G.H.) and arthroscopy (J.H.R.) performed. Sixteen arthrograms demonstrated a leak of contrast into the distal radioulnar joint. Arthroscopy demonstrated a perforation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in all 16. Seven arthrograms demonstrated a leak of contrast into the midcarpal joint. Arthroscopy demonstrated lunotriquetral instability in two and no abnormality in five. Seventeen arthrograms showed no abnormality. Arthroscopy confirmed no abnormality in nine but also demonstrated seven triangular fibrocartilage perforations and one case of isolated lunate chondromalacia. Arthroscopy findings were confirmed in eight patients who underwent a subsequent arthrotomy. Radiocarpal arthroscopy is superior to arthrography in the diagnosis of chronic ulnar wrist pain.     

Arthroscopic treatment of an osteochondral lesion in a child with chronic wrist pain: case report

Osteochondral lesions of the wrist are rare in the pediatric and adolescent population. We report a case of an osteochondral lesion of the lunate facet of the radiocarpal joint in a 6-year-old girl with chronic wrist pain after falling on her hand. Arthroscopic debridement of the osteochondral fragment relieved the symptoms and improved wrist function. Osteochondral lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic wrist pain in children with a history of trauma.     

Ulnar impaction syndrome: Managed by wrist arthroscopy

Background:

The development of handicraft industry and increase of various such works that need a large amount of repeated wrist ulnar deviation strength, the incidence of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is increasing, but the traditional simple ulnar shortening osteotomy has more complications. This study aimed to explore the early diagnostic criteria of UIS and its wrist arthroscopic treatment experience.

Materials and Methods:

9 UIS patients were enrolled in this study. According to magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray and endoscopic features, the diagnostic criteria of UIS were summarized and the individualized treatment schedule was made. If the ulnar positive variance was less than 4 mm, the arthroscopic wafer resection was performed. If the ulnar positive variance was more than 4 mm, the arthroscopic resection of injury and degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnar osteotomy were conducted.

Results:

In all patients, the wound healed without any complications. All patients returned to normal life and work, with no ulnar wrist pain again. One patient had wrist weakness. There was a significant difference of the wrist activity between the last followup and before operation (P < 0.05). According to the modified wrist function scoring system of Green and O’Brien, there were 6 cases of excellent, 2 cases of good and 1 case of appropriate and the overall excellent and good rate was 92.3%.

Conclusion:

In the treatment of UIS, the arthroscopy can improve the diagnosis rate, optimize the treatment plan, shorten the treatment cycle, with good treatment results.     

The incidence of dorsal radiocarpal ligament tears in patients having diagnostic wrist arthroscopy for wrist pain

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to examine the incidence of dorsal radiocarpal ligament (DRCL) tears in patients having diagnostic arthroscopy for chronic wrist pain. METHODS: A chart review was performed of 64 patients who had diagnostic wrist arthroscopy for chronic wrist pain that was refractory to conservative measures. For each case, interosseous ligament instability/tears were graded according to the Geissler classification. Tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the presence or absence of a DRCL tear were noted. RESULTS: There were 35 of 64 wrists (in 64 patients) with DRCL tears. The average duration of wrist pain prior to treatment was 20 months. Only 10 patients could recall a specific injury. Five patients had an isolated DRCL tear. A scapholunate interosseous ligament injury was identified in 13 patients, of whom 7 had a concomitant DRCL tear. A lunotriquetral interosseous ligament injury was present in 7 patients, of whom 2 had a concomitant DRCL tear. Two patients had a capitohamate ligament tear: 1 of these patients had a DRCL tear. There were 7 patients with a solitary triangular fibrocartilage complex tear: 6 of 7 were in association with a DRCL tear. One patient had a chronic ulnar styloid nonunion and a DRCL tear. Two or more lesions were present in 23 patients; DRCL tears were present in 12. CONCLUSIONS: DRCL tears are commonly seen with injuries to the primary wrist stabilizers. Recognition of this condition and further research into treatment methods are needed. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic IV.     

腕关节镜掌侧入路的实验与临床研究

目的 报告腕关节镜掌侧入路的设计及初步应用结果.方法 腕关节镜掌桡侧入路定位在桡侧腕屈肌腱桡侧与舟骨结节交界处,掌尺侧入路定位在尺侧腕屈肌腱的尺侧缘、豌豆骨近侧0.5 cm处.对20具防腐腕关节以上离断标本进行解剖学研究,5具新鲜腕关节以上离断标本进行模拟镜下手术.2004年4月至2008年1月,共进行腕关节镜掌侧入路手术20例.男8例,女12例;年龄21～64岁,平均35.6岁.结果 掌侧入路与其周围的血管、神经等结构均有一定的安全距离.掌侧入路镜检可以清晰显示背侧关节囊、舟月骨间韧带的掌侧部分和月三角骨间韧带的掌侧部分.通过掌侧入路置入关节镜,背侧入路置入手术器械,可以更方便地处理腕关节腔背侧部分的病变.20例临床病例均未发生并发症,平均随访23.4(12～37)个月.末次随访时,腕关节背伸-掌屈活动度为134°±16°,桡尺偏活动度为39°±8°,旋前-旋后活动度为139°±18°.术前有2例疼痛为Ⅱ级,18例疼痛为Ⅲ级;末次随访时,11例疼痛为Ⅰ级,8例为Ⅱ级,1例为Ⅲ级;疼痛缓解显著(Z=31.2,P＜0.01).改良Garland和Werley评分为:优10例,良6例,可4例,优良率为80%.结论 腕关节镜掌侧入路是传统背侧入路的重要补充,具有安全性高、操作方便的优点.     

Arthroscopic dorsal wrist ganglion excision with color-aided visualization of the stalk: minimum 1-year follow-up

Background

Dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) are a common, benign soft-tissue mass of the wrist. Excision of DWG is a common procedure performed by hand surgeons and may be performed using either open or arthroscopic techniques. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of stalk visualization with intralesional injection of inert dye in the course of arthroscopic excision along with incidence of recurrence with a minimum of 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Upon IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed identifying 27 patients who had consecutively undergone arthroscopic excision of a DWG with the color-aided technique at our institution with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. Intraoperative findings were reviewed. Patients were contacted to investigate for incidence of recurrence.

Results

Of the 27-patient cohort, the ganglion stalk was identified in 100 % of the color-aided arthroscopic DWG excisions. Ganglion recurrence was identified in one patient, an incidence of 3.7 %.

Conclusions

The color-aided technique for arthroscopic DWG visualization was found to be a safe and valuable tool for surgeons performing arthroscopic DWG resection. The intraarticular ganglion stalk was identified in 100 % of cases and patients responded well with a low incidence of recurrence.     

RFE based chondroplasty in wrist arthroscopy indicates high risk for chrondocytes especially for the bipolar application

Background

The application of radiofrequency energy (RFE) has become widespread for surgical performed chondroplasty especially due to the anticipated sealing effect, however the safety of this procedure in the wrist remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the subchondral temperature during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application simulating chondroplasty in an arthroscopic setting of the wrist.

Methods

A chondroplasty of the lunate fossa was performed during an arthroscopy setting on 14 cadaver arms using monopolar or biopolar RFE. The temperature was recorded simultaneously from 7 predefined anatomical landmarks.

Results

The mean temperature for both application modes did not exceed more than 30°C at all measured points, except for the lunate fossa. The highest subchondral measured peak temperature was 49.35°C (monopolar) and 69.21°C (bipolar) in the lunate fossa. In addition, the temperature decreased for both radiofrequency (RF) devices depending on the distance of the sensors to the RF-probe.

Conclusion

It remains to be questionable how safe RFE can be used for chondroplasty in wrist arthroscopy under continuous irrigation and constant movement to obtain the desired sealing effect. However, the bipolar device should be applied with more caution since peak temperature in the lunate fossa almost reached 70°C even under continuous irrigation.     

Pitfalls in wrist arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the wrist is a well-established procedure; however complications, problems and difficulties are possible. The complication rate is estimated to be about 2%, of which equipment failure is probably the most frequent. Injury of the overlying tendons, nerves and even the radial artery has also been described. The anatomy of certain wrists can cause considerable difficulties in obtaining a clear view. The major problem however is the correlation between the clinical and radiographic findings, and the arthroscopic findings. There are some abnormalities which do not have any significance since most of them can be considered as normal ageing phenomena.     

Dorsal wrist ganglion: Current review of literature

Ganglion cyst is the most common soft tissue tumour of hand. Sixty to seventy percent of ganglion cysts are found in the dorsal aspect of the wrist. They may affect any age group; however they are more common in the twenties to forties. Its origin and pathogenesis remains enigmatic. Non-surgical treatment is unreliable with a high recurrence rates. Open surgical excision leads to unsightly scar and poor outcome. Arthroscopy excision has shown very promising result with very low recurrence rate. We reviewed the current literature available on dorsal wrist ganglion.     

Proximal-distal shift of the center of rotation in a total wrist arthroplasty is more than twice of the healthy wrist

Reproduction of healthy wrist biomechanics should minimize the abnormal joint forces that could potentially result in the failure of a total wrist arthroplasty (TWA). To date, the in vivo kinematics of TWA have not been measured and it is unknown if TWA preserves healthy wrist kinematics. Therefore, the purpose of this in vivo study was to determine the center of rotation (COR) for a current TWA design and to compare its location to the healthy wrist. The wrist COR for six patients with TWA and 10 healthy subjects were calculated using biplane videoradiography as the subjects performed various range-of-motion and functional tasks that included coupled wrist motions. An open-source registration software, Autoscoper, was used for model-based tracking and kinematics analysis. It was demonstrated that the COR was located near the centers of curvatures of the carpal component for the anatomical motions of flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation. When compared to healthy wrists, the COR of TWAs was located more distal in both pure radial deviation (P < .0001) and pure ulnar deviation (P = .07), while there was no difference in its location in pure flexion or extension (P = .99). Across all coupled motions, the TWA's COR shifted more than two times that of the healthy wrists in the proximal-distal direction (17.1 vs 7.2 mm). We postulate that the mismatch in the COR location and behavior may be associated with increased loading of the TWA components, leading to an increase in the risk of component and/or interface failure.