Arthroscopy in Distal Radius Fractures: Indications and When to Do It.

Hand Clin · May 2021 · Review

Yao J, Fogel N

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, 540 Broadway Street MC 6342

Hand & Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review discusses indications for wrist arthroscopy in distal radius fractures to refine articular reduction and address associated soft tissue injuries, noting a need for Level I evidence on clinical benefit.
Abstract, as published

Wrist arthroscopy in the setting of distal radius fractures allows for direct visualization of the articular surface and treatment of associated soft tissue injuries. Arthroscopic techniques may be used to fine tune reductions with residual articular step-off or gap after an initial reduction attempt and are critical for addressing free articular fragments and die-punch lesions. Surgeon training, experience, and comfort with wrist arthroscopy remains a barrier to widespread adoption of this technique. Level I studies are needed to investigate whether improved articular reduction leads to meaningful clinical differences.

Featured in the 2026-09-20 issue.

← Bringing Evidence into Practice in Hand Surgery.Ultrasound Elastography for Hand Soft Tissue Assessment. →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.