Wrist Arthrolysis: A Systematic Review of Open and Arthroscopic Techniques

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

Authors' Contributions

M.G., I.B., and E.R. researched literature and conceived the study. M.G., R.L., and M.C. were involved in protocol development data analysis. M.G. wrote the draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Ethical Approval

Ethical approval was not sought for this article because not needed for our Ethical committee. Informed consent was not sought for this article because it is a systematic review.

Publication History

Received: 27 June 2020

Accepted: 03 February 2021

Article published online:
24 March 2021

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