Small Joints Arthroscopy

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 as small as the finger joints including the carpometacarpal joint, metacarpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint. Intra-articular injury is not uncommon in athletes participating in ball sports. These injuries can be acute injury or if left undiagnosed, become a chronic arthritis. With the introduction of small joint arthroscopy, a wide variety of treatment can be performed, such as arthroscopic reduction of an intra-articular fracture, reduction of an acute dislocation, reduction of a Stener lesion in gamekeeper’s thumb, arthroscopic debridement of post-traumatic synovitis and removal of loose bodies. The advantages of finger joint 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 sports activities and (4) smaller wound and less post-operative pain.