Complications of wrist arthroscopy

Purpose: To determine the incidence and nature of complications after arthroscopy of the wrist joint. Methods: The outpatient records and surgical reports of 211 patients who had wrist joint arthroscopy were reviewed to determine type of procedure, type of anesthetic, portals used, and incidence and nature of postsurgical complications. Results: We identified a total of 11 complications in our patient group (5.2%). Of these, 2 patients (0.9%) developed major complications and 9 patients (4.3%) developed minor complications. Five complications 45% were identified in the immediate postsurgical period and 6 (55%) were delayed complications. All of the minor complications resolved at latest follow-up evaluation with conservative care. Conclusions: Wrist arthroscopy is a safe procedure with a low rate of major and minor complications. In spite of its limitations wrist arthroscopy remains an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of wrist joint disorders. Copyright (C) 2004 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.