OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical effect of arthroscopic treatment for stenosing tenosynovitis of radial styloid process.

METHODSNinety nine patients diagnosed as stenosing tenosynovitis of radial styloid process from August, 2009 to July, 2013 were divided into three groups, including arthroscopic treatment group(32 cases), traditional operation group (34 cases) and local blocking therapy group(33 cases). Ache, tenderness, swollen situations and movement degrees of wrist joints and thumbs were observed before treatment and one week and one month after treatment. Total effective rates were calculated.

RESULTSPain score of the wrist and thumb in activity state was lower in arthroscopic treatment group and traditional operation group than that in local blocking therapy group one week and one month after treatment(=0.044, 0.039). Local pain score was lower in arthroscopic treatment group and traditional operation group than that in local blocking therapy group one month after treatment(=0.017). The total symptom score was lower in arthroscopic treatment group and traditional operation group than that in local blocking therapy group one week and one month after treatment(=0.007, 0.015). The effective rates one week after treatment in arthroscopic treatment group, traditional operation group and local blocking therapy group were respectively 96.9%, 94.1% and 84.8%, without significant differences(=0.213). The effective rates one month after treatment in these three groups were respectively 93.8%, 97.1% and 72.7%, with significant differences(=0.006).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with traditional operation and local blocking therapy, arthroscopic treatment has certain effects for the treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis of radial styloid process, with less operation trauma and complications, and it is worthy of clinical promotion.