Basics of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy

Minimal access surgery has considerably progressed in recent years. This has also led to advancements in the area of wrist arthroscopy, which has gained widespread acceptance. The complex nature of the carpus poses particularly difficult diagnostic dilemmas in the management of chronic wrist conditions and injuries of the wrist joint. Arthroscopic procedures involve less surgical dissection, better visualization and classification of lesions, less post-operative pain and a shorter recovery time for the patient. This article focuses on the indications, preoperative assessment, theatre protocol and complications of wrist arthroscopy. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.