Intra-articular distal radius fractures: The role of arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy has revolutionized the practice of orthopedics by providing the technical capability to examine and treat intra-articular abnormalities. The development of wrist arthroscopy was a natural evolutionary progression from the successful application of arthroscopy to other larger joints such as the knee and shoulder. Wrist arthroscopy has seen considerable growth since Whipple et al, reported their original description of the techniques that they developed for viewing the anatomy of the wrist. Wrist arthroscopy allows direct visualization of the articular surface, interosseous ligaments, and components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex under bright light and magnification. In addition, it is well known that the management of acute interosseous ligament tears have a better prognosis when compared to chronic lesions.