A TECHNIQUE FOR ARTHROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE FIRST CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT

Arthroscopy of the first carpometacarpal joint has been developed as a reliable surgical procedure offering an opportunity for direct evalua tion of the joint's intra-articular status, with minimal morbidity to the joint capsule. The procedure uses a 1.9-mm short barrel arthroscop e with standard supportive electronic equipment. After adequate anesth esia is established, approximately 5 lb. of longitudinal traction is a pplied to the thumb. Arthroscopic portals are located on the radial si de of the abductor pollicis longus tendon (1-R portal) and the ulnar s ide of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon (1-U portal). Care must be exercised in establishing these portals so that injury to the radial a rtery and branches of the superficial radial nerve can be avoided.