Arthroscopic Portals

I learned how to scope the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints of the wrist by Dr Terry Whipple in 1993. At that time, the 3–4 and 6R portals were mainly used for radiocarpal arthroscopy and midcarpal radial and midcarpal ulnar portals for midcarpal arthroscopy. Additional portals were 1–2 portal for arthroscopic radial styloidectomy and 6U portal for drainage. In late 90s, Dr Kazuteru Doi developed volar (radial) portal for radiocarpal joint through flexor carpi radialis tendon area for arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular fracture of the radius.[1] In the first decade of the 21st century, dry arthroscopy was established by Dr del Pinal,[2] while same portals mentioned above were used. For distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy, distal DRUJ portal,[3] direct fovea portal,[4] and volar ulnar portal[5] were developed in 1st and 2nd decades of 21st century. There may be unlimited possibilities of new portals for wrist surgery in future.

This issue includes the “Special Review” of “Arthroscopic volar capsuloligamentous reattachment and reinforcement to bone” described by Drs Corella, Ocampos, Laredo, Tabuenca, and Larrainzar-Garijo. This paper described detailed repairing technique of ligament structure of volar side of the wrist using new portals. Normally, the radiocarpal or midcarpal joints are accessed from dorsal side because of its safety, while authors demonstrated how to create new volar portals to access the joints in a safe manner.

Interesting wrist papers, such as risk assessment for distal radius fractures, articular bone grafting to the wrist, DRUJ reconstruction, comparing screws with locking pegs in the volar locking plate for distal radius fracture, another new portals for wrist arthroscopy, surveys of arthroscopic management of distal radius fractures, and interesting case reports are included in this issue. Don't miss.

Publication History

Article published online:
18 March 2024

• References

• 1 Doi K, Hattori Y, Otsuka K, Abe Y, Yamamoto H. Intra-articular fractures of the distal aspect of the radius: arthroscopically assisted reduction compared with open reduction and internal fixation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1999; 81 (08) 1093-1110
• 2 Del Piñal F. Technical tips for (dry) arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am 2011; 36 (10) 1694-1705
• 3 Nakamura T, Matsumura N, Iwamoto T, Sato K, Toyama Y. Arthroscopy of the distal radioulnar joint. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 2014; 46 (05) 295-299
• 4 Atzei A, Rizzo A, Luchetti R, Fairplay T. Arthroscopic foveal repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex peripheral lesion with distal radioulnar joint instability. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 2008; 12 (04) 226-235
• 5 Slutsky DJ. Distal radioulnar joint arthroscopy and the volar ulnar portal. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 2007; 11 (01) 38-44