Radiocarpal arthroscopy and arthrography in the diagnosis of ulnar wrist pain.

The purpose of this prospective study was to compare arthroscopy with arthrography in the diagnosis of ulnar wrist pain. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with ulnar wrist pain but normal routine and stress radiographs had dynamic and static radiocarpal arthrograms (R.G.H.) and arthroscopy (J.H.R.) performed. Sixteen arthrograms demonstrated a leak of contrast into the distal radioulnar joint. Arthroscopy demonstrated a perforation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in all 16. Seven arthrograms demonstrated a leak of contrast into the midcarpal joint. Arthroscopy demonstrated lunotriquetral instability in two and no abnormality in five. Seventeen arthrograms showed no abnormality. Arthroscopy confirmed no abnormality in nine but also demonstrated seven triangular fibrocartilage perforations and one case of isolated lunate chondromalacia. Arthroscopy findings were confirmed in eight patients who underwent a subsequent arthrotomy. Radiocarpal arthroscopy is superior to arthrography in the diagnosis of chronic ulnar wrist pain.