The Future of Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery of the elbow, wrist, and hand is evolving rapidly, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a surgeon of the upper limb. What began as simple intra-articular visualization has evolved to complex minimally invasive reconstruction, and procedures that were once exclusively the domain of the subspecialist are becoming increasingly utilized by more and more surgeons, bringing minimally invasive upper extremity care to a greater number of patients worldwide. Advances in anesthetic techniques including regional blocks and wide-awake surgery are making arthroscopy safer and more affordable for patients. Small-joint instrumentation technology continues to evolve, making arthroscopy and endoscopy of the upper limb safer and less-invasive. Innovative techniques that utilize dry-arthroscopy and endoscopy are being developed, expanding the traditional boundaries of the arthroscope to allow procedures that once required extensive open dissection to be performed through smaller incisions. Lastly, biologics and stem cell augmentation holds promise to help improve healing rates and recovery after upper limb surgery. As surgeons around the world become increasingly familiar with small joint arthroscopy, the future of hand, elbow, and wrist arthroscopy shines bright.