THE ROLE OF ARTHROSCOPY IN ARTHRITIS - ECTOMY PROCEDURES

Advances in arthroscopic techniques and instrumentation have enabled t he surgeon to extend the therapeutic possibilities of wrist arthroscop y. The introduction of suction punches and smaller, lighter motorized resectors and burrs have facilitated the arthroscopic removal of bone and soft tissue. Arthroscopy provides the surgeon with a magnified vie w of all intra-articular structures, including those areas difficult t o access via an arthrotomy. With the new instrumentation and the excel lent views, bone and soft tissues can be resected with precision. Now the wrist arthroscopist tan effectively perform a synovectomy; debride a torn TFC, chondral defects, and osteoarthritis; remove loose bodies ; and resect the distal ulna and carpal bones. The surgeon should foll ow the anatomic principles that have been developed for open surgical procedures. Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, hence patients rehabilitate quickly with fewer complications. ''Ectomy'' surgery of the wrist requires a higher level of skill from the surgeon but, when mastered, provides considerable benefit to the patient.