(v) Carpal degenerative disease

Carpal degenerative disease is common and can be due to traumatic or non-traumatic causes. It presents at varying stages of disease progression. As the wrist joint comprises several articulations, careful assessment is essential to identify the joint(s) affected. Treatment is usually an initial trial of non-operative management, followed by surgery if this is unsuccessful. This paper describes the specific features and management principles of the common carpal degenerative conditions.