Arthroscopic Synovectomy of the Wrist in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the wrist can lead to loss of wrist function and progressive joint destruction if inadequately treated. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist may prove a valuable treatment for local inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating functional outcomes and pain following arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in RA patients. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies describing pain or functional outcomes following arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in RA patients (CRD42021270846). Risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Data collection included patient characteristics, pain scores, wrist function questionnaires, secondary surgery, and complications. RESULTS: Six noncomparative cohort studies were included, with a total of 153 arthroscopic synovectomies. Disease duration of RA ranged from 32 to 89 months, and radiographic progression was mild to moderate. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scores ranged from 8 to 10 out of 16. Mean follow-up ranged from 21 to 95 months. Improvements were seen in pooled mean visual analog scale pain score (from 7.7 to 2.2, p < 0.05), pooled mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score (from 43.3 to 70.4, p < 0.05), and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (from 67.5 to 36.5, p < 0.05). Two complications occurred, and 5 patients required secondary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence suggesting that arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist improves wrist function and pain in patients with RA, with few complications. In centers with arthroscopic expertise, it can be considered as a treatment option.

Surgical technique: hemi-extensor carpi radialis brevis tenodesis for stabilizing the midcarpal joint in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Patients with the hypermobility type of Ehlers-Danlos (EDS-HT) often complain of wrist pain, usually originating from subluxations. As a result of the laxity, wrist function in these patients can be highly limited. This paper presents a surgical technique that stabilizes the lunocapitate joint with the use of an extensor carpi radialis brevis strip. Five patients with confirmed EDS-HT were treated with an extensor carpi radialis brevis tenodesis for their midcarpal instability. Two patients presented with complications following surgery, one major and one minor. This paper presents a potentially satisfactory surgical solution to recurrent midcarpal instability in EDS-HT patients and demonstrates that the use of an autologous tendon might be feasible in spite of a background of abnormal collagen metabolism.