The role of arthroscopy in the investigation of wrist disorders

The findings at arthroscopy of the wrist in 48 consecutive cases carried out over a 4.5 year period have been retrospectively reviewed. In correlating the clinical and arthroscopic findings in the 36 patients with wrist instability and triangular fibrocartilage injuries we found concurrence in 28 of the cases. In the six patients in whom we were unable to make any provisional clinical diagnosis we did not find arthroscopy helpful. Arthroscopy usefully influenced the management in two of the six patients in whom the articular surface was assessed. We feel that a careful clinical examination of the wrist is the mainstay of diagnosis in wrist disorders. Arthroscopy remains useful in selected cases but has a limited specialized role which should continue to be provided from specialist centres.