History of wrist arthroscopy

Abstract

The history of wrist arthroscopy is a global one, founded on the development of the arthroscope in Japan in the first half of the 20th century. Japanese surgeons Kenji Takagi and Masaki Watanabe helped develop the arthroscope and the techniques and concepts of arthroscopy, with a focus on the knee. With the improvement in optics, lighting. and miniaturization, arthroscopy of the wrist could be more safely performed. In the 1980’s Terry Whipple, Gary Poehling and James Roth brought a standardized, safe, and reproducible approach to wrist arthroscopy. They conducted courses, revolutionized teaching, and added publications. This led to an explosion in the clinical utilization of wrist arthroscopy and further development of new techniques. In 2005, Christophe Mathoulin created the European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) which conducted cadaveric workshops, initially in Europe and then throughout the world. In 2015, PC Ho created the Asia Pacific Wrist Association, which has provided meetings and workshops throughout Asia. Recently, EWAS became International Wrist Arthroscopy Society, truly providing an international approach. This article brings these periods together and presents a thorough picture of the development of wrist arthroscopy.

The Minimally Invasive Upper Extremity Surgery in Indonesia

“…Kenji Takagi from Japan gets the credit of being the first true developer and the father of modern arthroscope that he developed from 1918 to examine the knee joint . 2,3 The spillover of knee arthroscopy into the shoulder was inevitable and began in 1980's. Shoulder arthroscopy started with instability repair, followed by subacromial decompression.…”

“…As a result, wrist arthroscopy may eventually become as common as other arthroscopy procedures. 3,6 Contrary to the initial milestones of small joint arthroscopy, of which debridement and resections are the only therapeutic options, over the past 15 years, a number of unique surgical techniques with particular surgical indications have been created. As techniques and instruments advance, it is now possible to carry out more complicated and accurate procedures with less difficulty.…”

“…Nowadays, functional reconstruction treatments involving the repair of tissue defects and augmentation of important structures with graft material, as well as more particular anatomical structure fixing procedures, have been performed with established clinical benefit. 3,6 Dr. Lukman Shebubakar is credited with introducing wrist and small joint arthroscopy to Indonesia in 2008 and 2019 (respectively). The baton of this development was passed on and continued by young hand surgeons until now.…”

Bare bones: Fundamentals of diagnostic wrist arthroscopy

“…Since its inception in the 1980s, wrist arthroscopy has progressed from a diagnostic procedure through to therapeutic applications including resection or repair of intra-articular wrist structures, capsular release, and arthroscopically-assisted bone grafting, arthrodesis and fracture fixation. 1 Wrist arthroscopy can present a challenging learning curve, with the operator having to rely upon a sound knowledge of all elements of the procedure. 2 This comprises multiple elements and skills, from practical set up, through to portal placement within a small field containing multiple structures at risk, through to triangulation and a detailed anatomical knowledge and ability to navigate round small joints.…”

Arthroscopy: Past, present, and the future

“…These reviews cover the history of arthroscopy, recent advances, and future trends and encompass the whole spectrum of arthroscopy for each joint. In a fascinating article, which I know will pique many readers' interest, Rajan et al [4] travel through time to tell the story of arthroscopy in India, whilst Baker et al [5] bring the history of wrist…”