A Simple Slotted Guide for Instrument Passage in Wrist Arthroscopy.

Abstract

Wrist arthroscopy is increasingly used for the diagnosis and treatment of wrist pathology. However, the limited joint space and small arthroscopic portals make repeated insertion of instruments challenging and may result in soft-tissue trauma or creation of a false passage. Commercially available cannulas are generally unsuitable for wrist arthroscopy. We describe a simple technique using a segment of tubing from a disposable intravenous infusion set. A longitudinal slot is created in the tube, which is passed through the wrist joint to form a ring-shaped guide between two arthroscopic portals. The slotted design facilitates repeated instrument passage while allowing instruments to disengage from the guide for unrestricted intra-articular manipulation. This is a simple, inexpensive technique that requires no specialised equipment and may facilitate instrument passage during wrist arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).