All-Arthroscopic Repair of Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

Abstract

Injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are common after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Tears of the periphery of the TFCC (Palmer 1B) refractory to conservative management should be treated with surgical repair. The FasT-Fix (Smith and Nephew, Andover, MA) enables an all-inside arthroscopic TFCC repair and has been shown to be biomechanically stronger than other techniques. A recent retrospective review identified the initial clinical outcomes of this technique. The average follow-up was 16.1 months (range, 6-24). The mean supination was 81° (±13.1°), and the mean grip strength was 66% (±13.8%) of the nonoperative extremity by, on average, 3 months postoperatively. All other range of motion was full. The mean Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 10.2 (±11.4) and 18.8 (±13.5), respectively. The mean time to return to full activity was 5.2 months. There were no surgical complications of the procedure. Arthroscopic TFCC repair using the all-inside FasT-Fix results in excellent objective and subjective outcomes. Benefits of this technique are the ease of use, fewer complications, and the strength of repair allowing for less postoperative immobilization and earlier recovery when compared with other techniques.