Arthroscopic capsular release for contracture of the wrist: A new technique

Stiffness of the wrist can occur following trauma or surgery. In some patie nts, loss of motion may be refractory to conservative treatment and operati ve treatment may thus be indicated. The authors report the results and tech nique of arthroscopic capsular release of the wrist. A cadaveric study was performed to assess the safety of arthroscopic capsular release. Arthroscop ic capsular release was performed on 2 patients with limited wrist mobility . The average distance from the radiocarpal joint capsule to the neurovascu lar structures were 6.9 mm to the median nerve, 6.7 mm to the ulnar nerve a nd 5.2 mm to the radial artery. At 6 months follow-up, the average range of motion had improved from 17 degrees flexion and 10 degrees extension to 47 degrees flexion and 50 degrees extension. The average grip strength had im proved from 13 to 31 kg. Pain measured on a visual analogue score (0-10) ha d improved from 1.5 to 1.0. There were no complications. Arthroscopic capsu lar release of the wrist is a safe and minimally invasive technique that pr ovides good improvement to range of motion.