Arthroscopic techniques for wrist arthritis (radial styloidectomy and proximal pole hamate excisions)

Over the last 2 decades, arthroscopy has assumed a greater role in the treatment of disorders of the wrist. The arthroscopic treatment of radioscaphoid arthritis and ulnar hamate impaction provides the benefits of being minimally invasive, with less morbidity, earlier motion, less recovery time, early return to work, and greater patient acceptance. Both procedures are performed easily using standard arthroscopic techniques without any significant learning curve.Long-term studies need to be performed to determine the exact clinical sequelae of excision of the proximal pole of the hamate, specifically on the biomechanics of the triquetrohamate articulation.