Anatomic Relation of Dorsal Wrist Arthroscopy Portals and Superficial Nerves: A Cadaveric Study

This a cadaveric study to assess and compare the distance of commonly used wrist arthroscopy portals to the dorsal, ulnar, and radial superficial nerves and their branches.  The authors examined the clinically relevant arthroscopy portals in relation to these nerves.  They found that the 1-2 portal was 1.8 mm from the superficial radial nerve.  The 3-4 portal was 4.8 mm from the superficial radial nerve.  The 4-5 portal was 16 mm from the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve.  The 6-U portal was 2.5 mm from the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve.  This article reinforces the significance of the dorsal sensory branches and the need to make wrist portals with care, using a scalpel for the skin only.