[Arthroscopic treatment of distal radius fracture]

The orthopaedic surgeons cannot predict the functional results after a distal intra articular radius fracture. The intra-articular incongruity of more than 1 mm is associated with the development of secondary osteoarthrosis. The wrist arthroscopy became an essential help for the reduction of these fractures. The hand is normally in an upright position with a traction of approximately 4-5 kg which facilitates the reduction of the extra-articular fracture component. It is possible to use a technique of horizontal traction. The arthroscopy allows the reduction and control of the fixing of the various fragments, but also the treatment associated lesions associated. One randomized study, which compared 34 arthroscopically treated fractures with 48 openly treated, concluded that the arthroscopy-treated group had better outcome, better reduction, better grip strength and better range of motion than the openly treated group. The treatment of intra articular distal radius fractures with arthroscopic assistance is thus the guaranteeing of the most anatomical reduction of articular surface. It allows the diagnosis and the treatment of the associated lesions, decreases the peripheral fibrous scars of soft tissues by avoiding initially extensive approaches and finally gives better functional results.