Surgical techniques in orthopedics

Arthroscopic procedures have become the standard in the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of knee disorders. Less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to normal activity are leading to a steady increase in the number of operations. In close co-operation with specialists in the field of knee arthroscopy, the portfolio in the knee area has been continuously refined over the years. The RIWOSports range includes instruments and implants for indications such as meniscus resection, cartilage smoothing or repair, cruciate ligament reconstruction, removal of free joint bodies, synovectomy or slope corrections.

When carrying out hip arthroscopy, a distinction is generally drawn between the central compartment (joint region with worn joint surface between femur and acetabulum) and the peripheral compartment (area of the joint involving the neck of the femur, distal to the acetabular labrum). Arthroscopy is carried out on the central compartment with distraction of the affected leg in order to overcome the massive retention force of the capsule.

A telescope with a 70° direction of view is used as standard for hip arthroscopy. The portals are created using puncture cannula and dilation systems. The first stage of access involves the position of the portal being established under X-ray guidance. However, there is a residual risk of injury to the surrounding tissues of this joint and it is therefore important to use an alignment device, especially in the initial stages, to create additional portals.  

Richard Wolf joined forces with Dr. Wolfgang Mielke from the ARCUS Sports Hospital in Pforzheim, to create a "COXARTIS" Instrument Set developed specifically for hip arthroscopy. The easy handling and ergonomic design is ideal for experienced surgeons and for users who are new to the application of hip arthroscopes.

Richard Wolf's instrument set for shoulder arthroscopy offers a safe and efficient procedure for arthroscopic diagnosis and reconstruction

The basic instruments are a standard 4 mm arthroscope with a 30° field of view, tracing hooks, grasping forceps and an artholine punch. In addition to suture cutters and various hand instruments, the comprehensive equipment includes various instruments for suture management.

The instrument set is completed by the devices:

The wrist joint is a very complex joint in the human body and it is, in fact, made up of a number of individual joints.

Assessments of the cartilage status, ligament instabilities and changes to the mucus membrane can be diagnosed and biopsies can be taken. For example, lesions to the attachment of the hand joint at the ulna (triangular fibrocartilage disk) can be treated arthroscopically. A distinction is drawn in arthroscopic interventions between resecting and reconstructing procedures. Synovectomies, arthrolyses, cartilage smoothing interventions and debridement procedures are some of the resecting procedures. Refixation of the ulnar discoid cartilage and its ligament connections to the ulna (TFCC repair) are included among the reconstruction methods.

Richard Wolf supplies the ideal solution for all small joints. The range of options includes telescopes with diameters of 1.9 mm, 2.4 mm or 2.7 mm and a comprehensive instrument portfolio specially matched to these applications.