[Wrist pain of uncertain genesis]

The leading symptom wrist pain may be caused by a number of different pathologies. These cover traumatic and non-traumatic changes to the bone (including primary arthrosis, chronic polyarthritis, aseptic bone necroses, e.g. Kienböck's disease). Other possible sources of pain may be the capsule/ligament structures of the wrist, the predominant condition in terms of incidence and severity being injuries to the scapholunar ligament. In young women in particular, differential diagnostic considerations should include instability of the wrist. The diagnostic work-up comprises history-taking, physical examination including function tests and a mandatory x-ray. An MR tomogram and interventional procedures (e.g. arthroscopy) where indicated, can provide additional information. At the center of the management plan is amelioration of pain and restoration of function. For this purpose, a range of curative or palliative, conservative or operative measures are available. Early referral to the hand surgeon may avoid secondary sequelae resulting from long-lasting complaints.