Abstract
Background The current gold-standard technique for radial styloidectomy is arthroscopic. The
use of only two dorsal portals may not allow a crystal-clear view of the dorsal arthritic
rim of the radius because of the dorsal capsule synovitis.
Objectives To propose a new technique for isolated arthroscopic radial styloidectomy. The addition
of a volar radial portal and a sequential procedure are presented.
Patients and Methods Two trochars for alternatively viewing from volar radial or 3–4 are used. A 1–2 portal
is used for instrumentation with a motorized burr. We have been using the three-portal
technique in 34 cases (26 isolated).
Results This modification of the classic arthroscopic radial styloidectomy is technically
easy and the view of the dorsal rim of the radius provides a clear definition and
treatment of the dorso-radial arthritic pathology.
Conclusions The authors recommend this technical trick to perform an easy and comprehensive isolated
palliative or curative arthroscopic radial styloidectomy.
Keywords
radial styloidectomy - scapholunate advanced collapse - scaphoid nonunion advanced
collapse - wrist arthritis - wrist arthroscopy
