Orthopedic surgery has seen a recent explosion of minimally invasive techniques1–7 and the wrist and hand are no exception. These techniques range from percutaneous, endoscopic, arthroscopic, to mini-open procedures. The main topics covered in the following chapters include minimally invasive fixation for wrist fractures, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, minimally invasive trigger finger release, and minimally invasive treatment of finger fractures. Indications and advantages of minimally invasive wrist and hand surgery will be discussed as well as detailed descriptions of these new surgical techniques.
Similar to advantages proposed in other regions of orthopedic surgery, the advantages of minimally invasive techniques for surgery of the wrist and hand include shorter recovery times, earlier return to work, and less scar tissue formation with potentially improved outcomes.8,9 Advances in visualization via endoscopic and arthroscopic cameras and improved anatomic knowledge for increased safety during minimally invasive approaches have helped expand the use and experience in these techniques.