Arthroscopy of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

The use of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving small joints is growing. In 1979, Chen was the first to describe arthroscopy of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint for arthroscopic synovectomy in a patient with rheumatoid synovitis (Chen, Orthop Clin North Am 10:723-733, 1979). Since then, MP joint arthroscopy has been used to release contractures, reduce Stener lesions, and assist in the reduction of intra-articular fractures. This work describes the technique for MP arthroscopy with a review of our experience in 20 patients.