Set-Up, Equipment, and Surgical Instruments

Abstract

Arthroscopic surgery has become the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment for major joint disorders. With advancement in arthroscopic technique and instruments, arthroscopy has become feasible in most human joints, even in smaller joints such as finger joints, wrist joints, and elbow joints. Arthroscopy of wrist and finger joints was first described in 1979 [Chen, Orthop Clin North Am 10:723–733, 1979]. With the introduction of this minimal invasive technique, a wide variety of treatment can be performed without the need of traditional open surgery. The advantages of arthroscopy include: (1) allow better visualization of intra-articular structures, (2) minimal trauma to the surrounding tendon structure to avoid post-op adhesions, (3) allow immediate mobilization and early return to normal activities, and (4) smaller wound and less post-operative pain. In this chapter, the operative room set-up, patient positioning for wrist arthroscopy, hand arthroscopy (include thumb carpometacarpal joint, finger metacarpophalangeal joint, finger proximal interphalangeal joint), and elbow arthroscopy were illustrated. The instrumentations and equipment for use were discussed. The most commonly used portal sites were also illustrated.