Is Wrist Arthroscopy Safer with the Nanoscope?

Nanoscope, given its smaller size, may be safer when establishing dorsal wrist arthroscopy portals compared with the traditional 2.7 mm arthroscope.  Ten fresh frozen cadaver specimens were utilized. Dorsal radiocarpal portals were established with the Nanoscope and calipers were used to measure the distance between the portals and the surrounding anatomical structures. The only structure that was pierced during portal placement was the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve (DSUN) in one specimen when establishing the 6U portal. Our study did not note any tendon injuries.  Traditional wrist arthroscopy may be performed with a 2.7 mm arthroscope. With its larger outer sheath cannula, this may place adjacent anatomical structures at risk of injury.  During wrist arthroscopy, the Nanoscope may be safer when creating portals to underlying structures.  This is a Level IV study.