Isolated Arthroscopic Radial Styloidectomy: The Three-Portal Approach

Background  The current gold-standard technique for radial styloidectomy is arthroscopic. The use of only two dorsal portals may not allow a crystal-clear view of the dorsal arthritic rim of the radius because of the dorsal capsule synovitis. Objectives  To propose a new technique for isolated arthroscopic radial styloidectomy. The addition of a volar radial portal and a sequential procedure are presented. Patients and Methods  Two trochars for alternatively viewing from volar radial or 3-4 are used. A 1-2 portal is used for instrumentation with a motorized burr. We have been using the three-portal technique in 34 cases (26 isolated). Results  This modification of the classic arthroscopic radial styloidectomy is technically easy and the view of the dorsal rim of the radius provides a clear definition and treatment of the dorso-radial arthritic pathology. Conclusions  The authors recommend this technical trick to perform an easy and comprehensive isolated palliative or curative arthroscopic radial styloidectomy.