The role of arthroscopy in the treatment of intra-articular wrist fractures.

Fractures of the distal radius and scaphoid are the two most common intra-articular fractures of the wrist. For the distal radius, visual inspection and lavage, reduction of fracture fragments, and pin fixation conducted under arthroscopic control more accurately restore the smooth articular surfaces than is possible using traditional closed manipulation and ligamentotaxis. A technique for arthroscopically assisted reduction and screw fixation for fractures of the scaphoid is described using a modified Herbert screw. These techniques have the combined advantages of more accurate fracture reduction, reduced surgical trauma, and earlier mobilization of the wrist.