(Dry) arthroscopic partial wrist arthrodesis: tips and tricks.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Partial wrist arthrodesis is a surgical procedure to fuse wrist bones.
• The arthroscopic technique presents an alternative to traditional open surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the technical details, tricks, and tips for performing arthroscopic partial wrist arthrodesis.
• To make the procedure more accessible to hand specialists interested in arthroscopy.

Main Methods:

• The study focuses on the arthroscopic technique for partial wrist arthrodesis.
• Emphasis is placed on the "dry" technique, with technical details provided.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopy allows direct assessment of the articular surface of carpal bones.
• The technique minimizes ligament damage and interference with carpal blood supply, potentially leading to less scarring and faster healing.
• Cosmetic benefits include reduced external scarring.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic partial wrist arthrodesis is a valuable technique with several advantages over open procedures.
• Despite a steep learning curve, the "dry" arthroscopic technique can be performed effectively.
• This paper aims to facilitate the adoption of this technique among hand surgeons.