[Arthroscopic examination of the wrist joint].

Abstract

Arthroscopy is a standard procedure for the diagnosis of wrist disorders. Provided it is preceded by a thorough clinical investigation it is highly effective in detecting cartilagineous, osseous and ligamenteous lesions. Sometimes even intraarticular occult ganglia are visible. Especially triangular-fibrocartilage-lesions can be classified and give hints at instabilities of the distal radioulnar joint. Arthroscopy of the radiocarpal joint alone is not sufficient. The midcarpal joint must be visualized, too. Although disorders of the distal radioulnar joint are frequent, it is usually too narrow to permit an arthroscopic investigation.