Arthroscopic diagnosis and repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears:a clinical efficiency study

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Objective The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of arthroscopic diagnosis and repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. Methods Fifteen cases of TFCC tears diagnosed and treated with arthroscopic repair in our hospital between January 2006 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. There were six males and nine females. The average age was 42 years. The average follow-up was 26.5 months. TFCC tears were classified by Palmer classification as follows:ⅠA (3 cases),ⅠB (1 case),ⅠD (1 case),ⅡA (6 cases),and ⅡC (4 cases). Arthroscopic repair was performed after at least 3 months of conservative treatment failed. Wrist pain,grip strength,range of motion (ROM),wrist score (modified Mayo wrist score),disabilities of the arm,shoulder,and hand questionnaire (DASH) score were evaluated. Results Postoperatively alleviation of pain and improved grip strength was noted in all 15 patients. ROM averaged (129±26)° for the extension/flexion arc,(40±8)° for the radial/ulnar deviation arc,and (174±11)° for the pronation/supination arc of motion. The good-to-excellent rate of modified Mayo wrist score was 73% (excellent in 3 of patients,good in 8,fair in 4,and poor in 0). The average DASH score was 15±7 (range,4 to 28). Conclusion Standard arthroscopic procedure is more efficient in the diagnosis of TFCC injury than MRI. The advantage of simultaneous repair makes arthroscopic examination a normal procedure for patients with ulnar wrist pain. The outcome of type Ⅰ is better than type Ⅱ,although pain relief is obtained in each form of TFCC injuries after arthroscopic repair. In cases associated with marked positive ulnar variance,the simultaneous use of primary ulna-shortening osteotomy leads to promising results. Key words: Arthroscopes; Ulna; Triangular fibrocartilage; Functional evaluation