Arthroscopic dorsal capsular release in the wrist: a new technique

Wrist stiffness is a multifactorial condition that is debilitating for those which it affects. Although good results have been achieved in the past with aggressive physiotherapy and splinting regimens, however, there are some cases that remain refractory to this treatment. In those cases that are caused primarily by arthrofibrosis, arthroscopic surgical release of the capsule is another treatment option. Arthroscopic release of the volar wrist capsule has been previously described. The authors describe this new technique for arthroscopic dorsal capsular release using an intracapsular nylon tape to afford protection to the extensor tendons. They believe that the procedure is relatively safe with a low complication rate as well as good patient outcomes. Although the cohort of patients in whom this procedure is indicated is likely to be small, we feel that it gives the upper-limb surgeon another option for managing this often difficult problem.