Abstract
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.
Keywords
wrist stiffness - DRUJ release - DRUJ stiffness - arthroscopic wrist arthrolysis -
open wrist arthrolysis
