Midcarpal Joint Arthroscopy

Abstract

Wrist arthroscopy, specifically of the radiocarpal joint, has gained popularity over the past decade, and arthroscopic assessment and treatment is considered by many to be the standard of care for triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. Arthroscopy of the midcarpal joint is less commonly done. In the few pamphlets and/or manuals that have been offered to assist arthroscopists of the wrist joints, the midcarpal joint is often only mentioned in passing with little more than anecdotal information on the basic anatomy and arthroscopic techniques. Toby et all addressed midcarpal arthroscopy in 1989. Since then, additional information has been published that has identified and brought attention to the variable anatomy found in the midcarpal joint and some of the pathology commonly found in this portion of the wrist.^2–5 This chapter reviews the basic bone and soft tissue anatomy, arthroscopic techniques, common pathology, and some operative arthroscopic techniques relating to the midcarpal joint (Fig. 24.1).