A technique for arthroscopic evaluation of the first carpometacarpal joint

Arthroscopy of the first carpometacarpal joint has been developed as a reliable surgical procedure offering an opportunity for direct evaluation of the joint's intra-articular status, with minimal morbidity to the joint capsule. The procedure uses a 1.9-mm short barrel arthroscope with standard supportive electronic equipment. After adequate anesthesia is established, approximately 5 lb. of longitudinal traction is applied to the thumb. Arthroscopic portals are located on the radial side of the abductor pollicis longus tendon (1-R portal) and the ulnar side of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon (1-U portal). Care must be exercised in establishing these portals so that injury to the radial artery and branches of the superficial radial nerve can be avoided.