The Current Role of Arthroscopy in Traumatic Wrist Injuries: An Expert Survey.

Background Wrist arthroscopy has become increasingly popular for diagnosing and treating traumatic wrist injuries. How wrist arthroscopy has influenced the daily practice of wrist surgeons remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of wrist arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic wrist injuries among members of the International Wrist Arthroscopy Society (IWAS). Methods An online survey was conducted among IWAS members between August and November 2021 with questions regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of wrist arthroscopy. Questions focused on traumatic injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and scapholunate ligament (SLL). Multiple-choice questions were presented in the form of a Likert scale. The primary outcome was respondent agreement, defined as 80% answering similarly. Results The survey was completed by 211 respondents (39% response rate). The majority (81%) were certified or fellowship-trained wrist surgeons. Most respondents (74%) had performed over 100 wrist arthroscopies. Agreement was reached on 4 of the 22 questions. It was agreed that the outcomes of wrist arthroscopy strongly depend on surgeons' experience, that there is sufficient evidence for the diagnostic purposes of wrist arthroscopy, and that wrist arthroscopy is better than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing TFCC and SLL injuries. No agreement was reached on the preferred treatment of any type of TFCC or SLL injury. Conclusion There is agreement that wrist arthroscopy is superior to MRI for diagnosing traumatic TFCC and SLL injuries, yet experts remain divided on the optimal management. Guidelines need to be developed for the standardization of indications and procedures. Level of Evidence This is a Level III study.

[Arthroscopy of the wrist]. / Artroscopie van de pols.

Arthroscopy of the wrist has gained popularity among hand and wrist surgeons for diagnosing and treating wrist pathologies. In general, it is a minimally-invasive procedure which can be performed in day care surgery. It has a higher diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional imaging modalities such as CT or MRI. Simultaneous therapeutic intervention can be performed such as ligament repair, fracture reduction, ganglion cyst removal or synovectomy of the wrist. Recent studies have shown better functional outcomes and fewer complications compared to open surgical interventions. Prospective studies are still needed to confirm effectiveness and safety of wrist arthroscopy for several indications. Nonetheless, wrist arthroscopy has shown to be an important asset in the repertoire of the hand and wrist surgeon.

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.

Patient-Related Outcomes of Arthroscopic Resection of Ganglion Cysts of the Wrist.

Background Ganglion cysts of the wrist can cause pain and loss of functionality. No consensus exist on optimal treatment. Arthroscopic resection shows promising results but is poorly studied. Furthermore, only few studies have used patient-related outcomes to evaluate arthroscopic treatment. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess patient-related outcomes following arthroscopic resection of wrist ganglion cysts. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective study of all consecutive patients that underwent arthroscopic resection of a dorsal or volar wrist ganglion. Minimum follow-up was 6 months. The primary outcome was the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE). Secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and complications. Results A total of 53 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 13 months (interquartile range: 6-23 months). Twenty-six patients (49%) presented with a recurrence following prior treatment. Mean PRWE was 13 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.8), with no difference between patients with dorsal or volar ganglion cysts. There were five recurrences (9%), of which three occurred in the first five patients who were operated. There were three patients with complications (6%), consisting of neuropraxia, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinitis, and painful scar tissue. Conclusion Arthroscopic resection results in good patient-related outcome and low complication and recurrence rates when performed by an experienced surgeon. Recurrence and complication rates are similar to arthroscopic resections described in literature and superior to open resection and needle aspiration. Well-designed randomized clinical trials will be necessary to confirm these findings. Level of Evidence This is a level IV, retrospective study.

Patient-Reported Outcomes following Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair.

Background Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain, which may lead to serious physical impairments. Arthroscopic repair has benefits such as less soft tissue damage, greater surgical accuracy, and may lead to faster recovery than open repair. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of patients with symptomatic TFCC injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement or repair. Patients and Methods A retrospective study of all consecutive patients with a TFCC injury treated arthroscopically was conducted. The primary outcome was the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score. Secondary outcomes were, pain, operative findings, complications, and additional treatment. Results A total of 51 patients with a median follow-up of 16.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 13-25) were included. Injuries were treated with TFCC debridement ( n = 25), TFCC ligament to capsule suturing ( n = 10), TFCC debridement and ligament to capsule suturing ( n = 7), TFCC debridement and synovectomy ( n = 5), and TFCC foveal reinsertion with a suture anchor ( n = 4). The median PRWE was 19.5 (IQR: 6-49). Complications occurred in three patients and in nine patients additional surgery was performed. Conclusion Arthroscopic treatment of TFCC lesions leads to satisfactory functional outcomes. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Rib stress fractures among rowers: a systematic review on return to sports, risk factors and prevention.

INTRODUCTION: Rib stress fractures (RSFs) are injuries frequently sustained by elite rowers with an injury rate of 8-16% over the course of a rowing career, resulting in negative effects on training and performance. For clinical management, the aim of this review was to describe time to return to sports, summarize potentially preventive measures and appraise the evidence on risk factors. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search strategy was performed in PubMed, SportDiscus, Web of Science and Embase till June 1st 2015. All studies were graded on their quality. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search resulted in 124 studies, of which 17 were included: Ten reported on return to sports, 17 reported on risk factors and nine on preventive measures. For return to sports, nine studies mentioned a loss of training of 4-6 weeks. The shortest period was one week and the longest 16 weeks. For risk factors, insufficient or conflicting evidence was found for changes in the training program, incorrect rowing technique, female gender, low bone mineral density, inadequate equipment, and training type. For prevention, gradual changes in the training program, alertness on the part of coaches and clinicians, and supplementation of diet and hormones are suggested as effective measures. However, no effect studies have been found. CONCLUSIONS: The main outcome of this review on RSFs is that little evidence is available on return to sports, risk factors and preventive measures. Coaches and clinicians should carefully guide and assist rowers suffering from RSFs in off training and in the subsequent training period to regain their pre-injury level.