ARTHROSCOPY OF THE WRIST AND ELBOW

Arthroscopy of the wrist and elbow is a helpful diagnostic procedure in patients with chronic disability not demonstrated by clinical and radiological examinations. At the wrist, especially triangular fibrocartilage, chondral or ligamentous defects can often not be demonstrated by other tests. Arthroscopy of the wrist allows examination of more than a dozen separate articular surfaces and the function of eight discrete joints. The geometry of the elbow joint limits intra-articular inspection and the use of instruments. The risk of neurovascular injuries is great and depends on exact puncture sites and portals. Its efficiacy is not yet proven.