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Editorial
. 2022 Aug 1;12(3):192-198.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1750875. eCollection 2023 Jun.

The Current Role of Arthroscopy in Traumatic Wrist Injuries: An Expert Survey

Philip N d'Ailly  1 , Marjolein A M Mulders  2 , J Henk Coert  3 , Niels W L Schep  1 ; Members of IWAS
Affiliations
Editorial

The Current Role of Arthroscopy in Traumatic Wrist Injuries: An Expert Survey

Philip N d'Ailly et al. J Wrist Surg. .

Abstract

Background Wrist arthroscopy has become increasingly popular for diagnosing and treating traumatic wrist injuries. How wrist arthroscopy has influenced the daily practice of wrist surgeons remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of wrist arthroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic wrist injuries among members of the International Wrist Arthroscopy Society (IWAS). Methods An online survey was conducted among IWAS members between August and November 2021 with questions regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic importance of wrist arthroscopy. Questions focused on traumatic injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and scapholunate ligament (SLL). Multiple-choice questions were presented in the form of a Likert scale. The primary outcome was respondent agreement, defined as 80% answering similarly. Results The survey was completed by 211 respondents (39% response rate). The majority (81%) were certified or fellowship-trained wrist surgeons. Most respondents (74%) had performed over 100 wrist arthroscopies. Agreement was reached on 4 of the 22 questions. It was agreed that the outcomes of wrist arthroscopy strongly depend on surgeons' experience, that there is sufficient evidence for the diagnostic purposes of wrist arthroscopy, and that wrist arthroscopy is better than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing TFCC and SLL injuries. No agreement was reached on the preferred treatment of any type of TFCC or SLL injury. Conclusion There is agreement that wrist arthroscopy is superior to MRI for diagnosing traumatic TFCC and SLL injuries, yet experts remain divided on the optimal management. Guidelines need to be developed for the standardization of indications and procedures. Level of Evidence This is a Level III study.

Keywords: IWAS; TFCC; ligaments; scapholunate; survey; traumatic wrist injuries; wrist arthroscopy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
General statements regarding wrist arthroscopy. Values in bars are percentages. Underscored: statements with agreement (≥ 80% similar responses).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Statements regarding the diagnostic value of wrist arthroscopy. Values in bars are percentages. Underscored: statements with agreement (≥80% similar responses). CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; TFCC, triangular fibrocartilage complex.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Best treatment option per ligament injury. Values in bars are percentages. Underscored: injuries with agreement (>80% similar responses). TFCC injuries are classified according to Palmer, SLL injuries are classified according to Geissler. DRUJ, distal radioulnar joint; SLL, scapholunate ligament; TFCC, triangular fibrocartilage complex.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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