Arthroscopic Synovectomy in Wrist

The application of arthroscopic surgery in wrist is not widely advocated because of technical difficulty. We analysed 11(10 patients) wrists of which were performed arthroscopic synovectomy in wrist from July 1991 to September 1992 in Kyung Hee University Hospital. The age of the patients ranged from 23 to 55 years old. Follow up period was from 12 months to 26 months. The application for the arthroscopic synovectomy in that group of patients were based on such disabling clinical symptoms as severe pain, swelling, limitation of range of motion and roentgenographic type from mild to severe stage. Postoperative diagnosis was histologically confirmed with rheumatoid arthritis in nine wrists (nine patients) and gout in two wrists (one patient). The results were assessed subjectively and objectively with pain, swelling and range of motion. Satisfactory overall results were obtained and there were no complications. Conclusively, arthroscopic synovectomy in the wrist is effective produce to relieve pain of the rheumatoid arthritis and gout but arthroscopic synovectomy of wrist is technically demanded.