Open AccessWrist Arthrolysis: A Systematic Review of Open and Arthroscopic Techniques
Author(s) -
Marco Enrico Luigi Guidi,
Riccardo Luchetti,
Inga S. Besmens,
Esin Rothenfluh,
Maurizio Calcagni
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of wrist surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
eISSN - 2163-3924
pISSN - 2163-3916
DOI - 10.1055/s-0041-1726291
Subject(s) - druj , medicine , wrist , surgery , range of motion , wrist arthroscopy , arthroscopy , distal radioulnar joint
Background Wrist arthrolysis is a viable option in wrist stiffness and can be performed via open or arthroscopic techniques. Purpose The aim of the study is to describe and evaluate the available techniques of open and arthroscopic arthrolysis of the radiocarpal joint and the distal radio ulnar joint (DRUJ) in posttraumatic wrist stiffness. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed to identify studies reporting on open and arthroscopic wrist arthrolysis. Key words included "open wrist arthrolysis," "arthroscopic wrist arthrolysis," "post-traumatic wrist stiffness," and "DRUJ arthrolysis." Data were extracted independently by a pair of reviewers. Results Overall, 637 studies were identified; 13 additional articles were found through previous publications (total 650 articles). A total of 612 records resulted after duplicates was removed. Fourteen studies were selected and only eight respected the inclusions criteria. One study focused on volar open arthrolysis and four studies on arthroscopic arthrolysis of the radiocarpal joint; two studies reported on open arthrolysis and two studies on arthroscopic DRUJ arthrolysis. Range of motion following open and arthroscopic wrist arthrolysis improved in all studies. Conclusion Both arthroscopic and open arthrolysis can lead to similar and satisfactory results in radiocarpal joint and DRUJ stiffness.. Level of Evidence This is a level 3a study.