Other Joints

Arthroscopy of Elbow, Wrist and Ankle

Elbow

The elbow problems treatable by arthroscopy are:

• Stiff elbow following surgery or trauma - treated by adhesionlysis for regaining full Range of Movement
• Loosebody removal
• Synovectomy for arthritis of elbow.

Wrist

Wrist problems treatable by arthroscopy are:

• Triangular fibrocartilage injury - commonly called TFCC, is a source of chronic pain following wrist sprains. Arthroscopic debridement of the tears and if possible repair gives good results.
• Adhesionlysis for stiff wrist
• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
• Synovectomy

Ankle

Impingement syndrome: Also known as footballer's ankle, this results from abnormal contact and bone formation in the anterior aspect of the ankle. Arthroscopic debridement of the lesions results in regaining good range of movements and improvement of pain.

Osteochondral defects: Ankle sprains sometimes cause damage to the bony surface of the ankle joint. This results in chronic pain, and the surface of the lower bone of the ankle (talus) is frequently involved. Through two 1 cm incisions, the defect area is cleared and Microfracture Chondroplasty is performed to produce fibrocartilage to cover the defect.

Arthrodesis: This end stage arthritis of the ankle is very painful and patients are unable to walk. Abolition of movement at the ankle is the only solution to relieve the pain. The fusion of the ankle joint is done by arthroscopy and percutaneous fixation.

Arthrolysis: For stiffness of ankle following trauma or surgical procedure, arthroscopy and clearing of adhesions will improve the range of movements.