The holmium : yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in wrist arthroscopy: A five-year experience in the treatment of central triangular fibrocartilage complex tears by partial excision

Arthroscopic debridement of the articular disk is an accepted method for th e treatment of symptomatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage c omplex. Current techniques use punches, knives, and shavers to debride the torn disk back to a stable peripheral rim. The holmium:yttrium-aluminum-gar net laser offers an alternative method for disk debridement with potential advantages of enhanced speed, precision, and hemostasis. We present a retro spective review of 35 patients who underwent arthroscopic laser debridement for a Palmer type IA tear in the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Overal l response to treatment was good to excellent in 68% of patients and return to work was seen in 88%. One patient developed a deep wound infection. Cli nical results after arthroscopic laser debridement are comparable to those reported by other investigators using conventional techniques. (J Hand Surg 2001;26A:77-84. Copyright (C) 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).