AB123. SOH22ABS172. A comparison magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of and in wrist arthroscopy the diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilaginous Complex (TFCC) tears: an Irish perspective

Abstract

Background: The Triangular Fibrocartilaginous Complex (TFCC) is a load bearing structure that functions as a stabilizer of the ulnar aspect of the wrist and supports the distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ). TFCC injuries are common and often occur post trauma. Arthroscopy is the gold standard of diagnosis however many investigate patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to support a clinical suspicion. Sensitivity for MRI varies widely with recent systematic review reporting MRI sensitivity ranging from 44–93%. TFCC tears associated with distal radius fractures range from 38–78%. Ireland sees approximately 2,475 operatively treated distal radius fractures per year. We can infer that a certain number of these patients have suffered concurrent trauma to their TFCC and as such may present with wrist pain. The aim of this study is to compare MRI and arthroscopy in diagnosing TFCC tears in an Irish patient cohort.