The holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in wrist arthroscopy: a five-year experience in the treatment of central triangular fibrocartilage complex tears by partial excision.

Arthroscopic debridement of the articular disk is an accepted method for the treatment of symptomatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Current techniques use punches, knives, and shavers to debride the torn disk back to a stable peripheral rim. The holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser offers an alternative method for disk debridement with potential advantages of enhanced speed, precision, and hemostasis. We present a retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent arthroscopic laser debridement for a Palmer type IA tear in the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Overall response to treatment was good to excellent in 68% of patients and return to work was seen in 88%. One patient developed a deep wound infection. Clinical results after arthroscopic laser debridement are comparable to those reported by other investigators using conventional techniques.