[Standard wrist arthroscopy: technique and documentation].

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive approach to the wrist in order to diagnose and treat different wrist pathologies.

INDICATIONS: Diagnosis of unclear chronic pain syndromes, cartilage status, intra-articular ligament structures as well as post-traumatic and inflammatory conditions of the wrist. Treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome, dorsal ganglia and also in fracture treatment and various different wrist interventions.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Soft tissue infections around the wrist, severe scarring may impede access to the joint.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position with the forearm upright and in neutral position, the elbow flexed by 90°, axial traction of 3-4 kg. Superficial stab incision, blunt preparation through joint capsule, insertion of optic through 3-4 portal and probe through 4-5 portal, and radial and ulnar midcarpal portals, respectively. Either sodium chloride, CO2 or air is used as arthroscopy medium. Diagnostic round with standardized examination of all parts of the joint. Standardized written and high quality photo and/or video documentation to facilitate understandability of the findings.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Forearm cast for 1 week, limited load for 2 more weeks, then load is increased to normal.