Wrist arthroscopy: indications and results.

The results of 84 wrist arthroscopies in 74 patients (performed by the same surgeon) were reviewed retrospectively. Arthroscopies were categorized as "diagnostic"--to identify unknown pathology, "staging"--to assess the severity of known pathology, and "operative"--to treat known pathology. Ninety-eight percent of diagnostic arthroscopies accurately established details of the pathology in question. Ninety-six percent of staging arthroscopies helped guide future clinical management. Of the patients in the operative category, 35% improved after treatment with arthroscopy alone, requiring no further surgical intervention. This study shows that wrist arthroscopy is a powerful diagnostic and staging tool and suggests that it may also develop into a valuable treatment modality.