Wrist arthroscopy in distal radial fractures using a modified horizontal technique

Wrist arthroscopy has today become an important adjunct in the management of displaced intra-articular distal radial fractures, with reduction of joint incongruencies as well as detection and treatment of associated soft-tissue injuries. However, standard upright arthroscopy makes it difficult to combine arthroscopic-assisted reduction with additional treatment of the often comminuted, extra-articular fracture component. This article describes a modified arthroscopic technique in which the arm is blocked in pronation with the traction horizontally over a handle on a normal hand table, without any other changes in the arthroscopy itself. The author has operated on 17 patients using this horizontal technique in combination with arthroscopic-assisted reductions, closed and open osteosynthesis, and soft-tissue procedures. The horizontal technique allows complete treatment of comminuted, unstable distal radial fractures, intra-articular and extra-articular reduction, and bone grafting, as well as assessment and treatment of associated soft-tissue injuries.