The role of arthroscopy in scapholunate instability.

Wrist arthroscopy is an available tool for the diagnosis and treatment of scapholunate instability. Arthroscopy allows a detailed examination of the scapholunate interosseous and the extrinsic radiocarpal ligaments. The extent of ligamentous damage can be quantified and a treatment algorithm can be developed based on the arthroscopic findings. Debridement of partial scapholunate interosseous tears and arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation are discussed and illustrated.