Current innovations in wrist arthroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Arthroscopy

Background:

• Scapholunate joint stability is multifactorial, involving a complex of primary and secondary stabilizers.
• Individualized treatment approaches are necessary for scapholunate instability due to unique patient presentations.
• Tears of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex foveal attachment can cause distal radioulnar joint instability and are often underdiagnosed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the pivotal role of wrist arthroscopy in assessing and treating scapholunate ligament complex derangements.
• To emphasize the importance of distal radioulnar joint arthroscopy for diagnosing foveal attachment tears.
• To discuss recent advancements in arthroscopic techniques for wrist and distal radioulnar joint instability.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and techniques in wrist arthroscopy for scapholunate and distal radioulnar joint pathology.
• Discussion of arthroscopic assessment and treatment strategies for ligament complex injuries.
• Exploration of arthroscopic applications in fracture fixation, malunion correction, and nonunion management.

Main Results:

• Wrist arthroscopy is essential for evaluating scapholunate ligament complex injuries.
• Distal radioulnar joint arthroscopy enables diagnosis of previously underdiagnosed foveal tears.
• Arthroscopy aids in fracture reduction, malunion correction, and bone grafting for scaphoid nonunions.

Conclusions:

• Scapholunate joint stability depends on a ligament complex, necessitating tailored, tissue-specific repairs.
• Wrist arthroscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating various wrist instabilities and injuries.
• Advancements in arthroscopic techniques are improving outcomes for complex wrist conditions.