2007 Wrist Arthroscopy eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Surgical visualization by means of arthroscopy has revolutionized orthopedics by allowing direct treatment of intra-articular pathology. Wrist arthroscopy evolved from the successful application of arthroscopy in larger joints. The wrist is a complex joint that continues to challenge clinicians. This joint consists of 8 carpal bones, multiple articular surfaces with extrinsic and intrinsic ligaments, and a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)—all within a 5-cm interval. Surgeons who use wrist arthroscopy are able to directly visualize cartilage, synovial tissue, and ligaments under bright illumination and magnification.
Synonyms and related keywords: wrist injury/trauma, TFCC, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury/trauma, intra-articular fractures of the wrist, scapholunate instability, carpal interosseous ligament injury/trauma
Geissler & Walsh 2007 Updated 2011