Preiser's disease: Arthroscopic treatment of avascular necrosis of the scaphoid

We report the case of a 50-year-old female patient with Preiser's disease ( avascular necrosis of the scaphoid) who, after a 2-year history of wrist pa in, underwent arthroscopic debridement of the necrotic scaphoid using a sta ndard technique. Osteoarthritic changes of the articular cartilage, partial rupture of the scapholunate ligament, local synovitis, and loose fragments were documented. The patient reported significant improvement in pain reli ef and complete relief of mechanical symptoms at 31-month follow-up examina tion. Radiographs demonstrated no progression of collapse of the scaphoid o r acceleration of degenerative changes in the wrist. Arthroscopy in Preiser 's disease allows direct visualization and assessment of the exact patholog y of the radiocarpal and midcarpal joint and the scaphoid cartilage. Arthro scopic debridement of the necrotic scaphoid increased wrist functional rang e of motion, provided excellent pain relief, and improved health-related qu ality of life.