Arthroscopic Wrist Anatomy

Abstract

Arthroscopic wrist anatomy is best learned from cadaveric bioskills first, and reinforced through experience. Correlating focal clinical findings with arthroscopic anatomy, both normal and pathologic, can expand the clinician’s understanding and nuanced-interpretation of presenting complaints. Wrist arthroscopy has been shown to be more effective and predictable than all but the most sophisticated MRI and has an added benefit of real-time assessment of dynamic instability and partial cartilage lesions. Visualizing wrist pathology with the arthroscope is often more reliable than a physical examination or imaging studies such as MRI, arthrography, or plain radiographs. It is essential to alternate viewing and instrumentation portals to properly view normal and abnormal anatomy from various angles. Once arthroscopic wrist anatomy is understood and mastered, the surgeon can best plan and perform treatment based on the patient’s internal wrist pathology.