[Arthroscopy of the finger and thumb joints, including the thumb saddle joint].

backgroundArthroscopy of the finger joints was first described by Chen in the 1970s. Menon (1996) and Berger (1997) published the first articles on arthroscopic treatment of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Since then, the techniques and procedures of arthroscopy of thumb and finger joints have evolved. TRAPEZIOMETACARPAL JOINT: Arthroscopy for the trapeziometacarpal joint was first used to diagnose rhizarthrosis especially in early stages, and therapeutic procedures have been developed. Debridement and synovectomy with capsular shrinkage and arthroscopic hemi- or total resection for advanced rhizarthrosis are complementary minimally invasive adjunctive techniques to the established open surgical procedures. METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINTS: The metacarpophalangeal joints are well suited for arthroscopic assessment and treatment, but arthroscopy is rarely performed. For arthroscopic synovialectomy of the metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis good results have been reported. The treatment of primary and secondary arthrosis, osteochondral lesions, joint stiffness and septic arthritis, as well as arthroscopically assisted procedures are also possible. There are still few publications on this subject in the literature. INTERPHALANGEAL JOINTS: Arthroscopy of the interphalangeal joints is not very common, and only few articles have been published. It is used for therapy-resistant synovialitis in rheumatoid arthritis, primary or secondary osteoarthritis in the early stages and the removal of free joint bodies and the treatment of joint stiffness.

aimThe article provides an overview of the anatomical basics as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic options of arthroscopy for diagnosis and treatment of the trapeziometacarpal joint and the finger joints.