Clinical applications of volar portals in wrist arthroscopy

Volar portals for wrist arthroscopy have certain advantages over the standard dorsal portals for visualizing dorsal capsular structures as well as the palmar aspects of the carpal ligaments. The volar radial portal is relatively easy to use and is an ideal portal for evaluation of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament and the palmar aspect of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. The volar midcarpal portal may be considered as an occasional accessory portal for visualizing the palmar aspects of the capitate and hamate in cases of avascular necrosis or osteochondral fractures. The volar ulnar portal is especially useful for the viewing and debridement of palmar tears of the lunotriquetral ligament.