Endoscopic surgery of the upper extremity.

Endoscopic techniques for surgery of the upper extremity show great promise based on recent discoveries of anatomic tissue planes. These planes can be dissected using new technology consisting of endoscopic balloons that create optical cavities that permit "incisionless" surgery. This article contains a review of the anatomic principles, new surgical technology, and development of endoscopic tools, as well as an example of endoscopic tissue expansion placement for soft-tissue augmentation in the upper extremity. Endoscopic techniques as they relate to fractures, synovectomy, and peripheral nerve decompression are discussed.