Dorsal wrist impingement syndrome, arthroscopic findings and results of arthroscopic treatment: a short term results

Introduction Dorsal wrist impingement syndrome is a clinical syndrome of dorso radial wrist pain especially with extension. Arthroscopic findings may include a patulous capsule, synovial hypertrophy or ganglion. Arthroscopic treatment involves debridement with resection of part of the capsule. Short term results are outlined for a cohort of patients. Patients and methods A total of 20 patients, 12 males and eight females. Mean age is 27 years. The right side was involved in 16 patients and left side in four patients. Dominant side was involved in 16 patients. Seven patients had apparent dorsal wrist ganglion, while five patients had occult ganglion diagnosed by MRI. Results At the end of follow-up at a median time of 6 months after surgery (range, 4–10 months), the mean visual analog scale score improved from 5.9 preoperatively to 2 postoperatively. Mean quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand improved from 49.1 to 4.8. Mean strength improved from 28.1 to 33.1 kg. range of motion did not differ significantly between pre and postoperative. Conclusion Wrist arthroscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating dorsal wrist impingement syndrome.