Arthroscopic assessment of the volar region of the scapholunate interosseous ligament through a volar portal.

PURPOSE

The volar region of the scapholunate interosseous ligament is one of the key structures that maintains scapholunate alignment. It is, however, difficult to evaluate this ligament using standard diagnostic procedures, including the arthroscopy through a dorsal portal. We have performed arthroscopic evaluation of this ligament through a volar portal.

METHODS

Skin incision was made at just radial of the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the portal was opened through the tendon sheath.

RESULTS

The volar approach enabled us to directly observe the extent of the tear of the volar region of scapholunate interosseous ligament. A shaver is inserted through the dorsal portal, and debridement can be performed by using the volar portal vein. We have not had any complications using volar portal.

CONCLUSION

Volar approach is a feasible and safe procedure to evaluate and treat the volar region of the scapholunate interosseous ligament.