The role of arthroscopy in evaluating and treating trapeziometacarpal disease.

Thumb trapeziometacarpal arthroscopy offers unique opportunities for improving evaluation and treatment in patients with basal joint disease. For patients with early disease, arthroscopic synovectomy and electrothermal shrinkage of the capsule can provide symptomatic improvement. For patients with more advanced disease, arthroscopic hemitrapeziectomy and complete trapeziectomy can be performed, combined with electrothermal shrinkage of the anterior oblique ligament. This article reviews the surgical technique and the early follow up of this rapidly advancing, minimally invasive technique for treatment of trapeziometacarpal disease.