Functional Outcome for Arthroscopic Treatment of Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Complications after arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) surgery

Wrist arthroscopy is a valuable and widely utilized tool in the treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries. These procedures include synovectomy alone, peri-capsular or transosseous repair, and arthroscopic-assisted reconstruction, and each are associated with specific complications. This review describes the types of complications and their rates in different types of arthroscopic TFCC surgery reported in the literature and in our centre. Across the spectrum of arthroscopic TFCC surgery, complication rates and the learning curve increase with surgical complexity. Relevant anatomy, prevention and management of complications including nerve injury and irritation, extensor tendon injury and tendinitis, fracture, stiffness, and persistence of symptoms or instability are discussed. Vigilance to anatomical details and careful dissection can help to reduce complications that may result in disturbing pain and functional loss.

[Options and limits of arthroscopic treatment of joint empyema]

Due to its low invasive nature, arthroscopy nowadays represents the gold standard in the treatment of native joint empyema. This article gives a summary of the literature with expert recommendations, reviews and case reports on arthroscopic treatment of native joint empyema and the limitations. Most cases of native joint empyema can be successfully cleansed with arthroscopic treatment alone including lavage and débridement. In advanced stages of infection open arthrotomy is often needed for final infection cleansing. In postoperative infections with enclosed foreign material, such as after cruciate ligament reconstruction, the foreign material can in most cases be left in and successful infection eradication can be carried out with several arthroscopic lavages and débridement. In cases of higher grade infections with destruction of the joint, arthroscopic treatment alone is normally insufficient.