[Value of arthroscopy in diagnosis of carpal instability].

In a series of twenty patients with carpal instability, arthroscopy detected 2,7 ligament tears per wrist. Fifty percent of the lesions were found in the radio-carpal compartment and 50% in the midcarpal compartment on the ulnar aspect. In 80% the tears were found to be combined in both compartments. These findings may be in contrast to today's classification of carpal instabilities. Arthroscopy is of great value in evaluating the most appropriate method of surgical repair on patients with carpal instability.