Wrist Arthroscopy

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Indications & Contraindications - Scope Signals

  • Indications (Diagnostic & Therapeutic):
    • Persistent unexplained wrist pain, mechanical symptoms (clicking, locking).
    • Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears: debridement or repair.
    • Dorsal or volar ganglion cyst excision.
    • Loose body removal, synovectomy (e.g., inflammatory arthritis).
    • Intra-articular fracture management (reduction/fixation).
    • Carpal instability (SL/LT tears): evaluation/treatment.
  • Contraindications:
    • Absolute: Active local infection (cellulitis, septic arthritis), compromised overlying skin.
    • Relative: Severe joint contracture/arthrofibrosis, uncorrected coagulopathy, inability to achieve adequate joint distraction.

⭐ Arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and treating TFCC tears.

Portals & Perils - Wrist Roadmap

Safe wrist arthroscopy demands precise portal use & thorough anatomical respect.

  • Radiocarpal (RC) Portals:
    • 3-4: Main viewing. Btwn EPL & EDC. 📌 "EPL at 3-4's door". Peril: SRN, EPL.
    • 4-5: Main working. Btwn EDC & EDM. Peril: SRN, PIN.
    • 6R: Radial to ECU. Peril: DSBUN, ECU.
    • 6U: Ulnar to ECU. Peril: DSBUN, ECU.
  • Midcarpal (MC) Portals:
    • MCR: Radial midcarpal. Peril: SRN.
    • MCU: Ulnar midcarpal. Peril: DSBUN.
  • Other Key Portals:
    • STT: For STT joint. Peril: SRN, Radial Artery.
    • DRUJ: For TFCC pathology.
  • ⚠️ Safety Essentials:
    • Vertical skin incisions.
    • Blunt dissection to capsule.
    • Cannula use to protect nerves/tendons.
    • Adequate joint distraction.

Wrist arthroscopy portals and neurovascular anatomy

⭐ Superficial Radial Nerve (SRN) is the most commonly injured structure, particularly with the 3-4 & 4-5 portals during wrist arthroscopy.

Procedure & Pathologies - Peek & Patch

  • General Arthroscopic Steps:
    • Supine, arm on hand table.
    • Regional/General Anesthesia.
    • Finger traps (~10 lbs), tourniquet, fluid pump.
    • Radiocarpal (e.g., 3-4, 6R) & midcarpal portals.
    • "Dry" vs. Saline distension for visualization.
    • Systematic "Peek" (e.g., Geissler’s 7-point exam).
  • Common Pathologies & "Patch" Interventions:
    • TFCC Tears: Central debridement; Peripheral suture repair.

      ⭐ TFCC Class 1B tears (ulnar avulsion with or without styloid #) are ideal for arthroscopic repair.

    • Ganglion Cysts (Dorsal/Volar): Stalk ID & excision.
    • Loose Bodies: Removal via grasper.
    • Synovitis (RA, Gout): Synovectomy.
    • Articular Cartilage Lesions: Debridement, chondroplasty.
    • Ligament Injuries (SL, LT): Assess, debride, repair aid.
    • Intra-articular Fractures (DRF): Visual reduction, fragment removal.

Wrist Arthroscopy Views and Instruments

Complications & Care - Scope Setbacks

  • Common Complications:
    • Neuropraxia: Most frequent.
      • Superficial Radial N. (SRN): Vulnerable at 3-4, 4-5 portals.
      • Dorsal Sensory Ulnar N. (DSUN): At 6R, 6U portals.
    • Tendon Injury: Extensor Pollicis Longus (EPL) common with 3-4 portal.
    • Stiffness/CRPS: Risk; manage with early motion.
  • Less Common:
    • Infection: <1%.
    • Instrument breakage.
    • Vascular injury (radial artery).
    • Compartment syndrome (rare).
  • Post-operative Care:
    • Bulky dressing, elevation.
    • Analgesia.
    • Early mobilization (protocol-dependent).
    • Suture removal: 10-14 days.
    • Physiotherapy essential.

⭐ Neurological injuries, particularly to the superficial radial nerve, are the most common complications of wrist arthroscopy.

📌 Nerves Suffer Trauma: Neuropraxia (SRN/DSUN), Stiffness, Tendon (EPL).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Primary indication: Diagnosing and treating TFCC tears; also chronic wrist pain, loose bodies.
  • Key portals: 3-4 portal (workhorse), 6R portal (ulnar pathology, TFCC).
  • TFCC tears: Central debrided; peripheral tears repaired (better vascularity).
  • Nerve injury risk: Superficial radial nerve (3-4 portal), dorsal sensory ulnar nerve (6R portal).
  • Contraindications: Active infection, severe soft tissue compromise.
  • Advantages: Minimally invasive, superior visualization, faster rehabilitation.
  • DRUJ assessment: Crucial with TFCC injuries, often managed arthroscopically.

Practice Questions: Wrist Arthroscopy

Test your understanding with these related questions

A person is not able to extend his metacarpophalangeal joint. Injury to which of the following nerve result in this?

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Flashcards: Wrist Arthroscopy

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Gold standard investigation for cruciate ligament injury is _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Gold standard investigation for cruciate ligament injury is _____

arthroscopy

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