Microvasculature of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex of the Wrist

Abstract

The microvascular anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the human wrist was investigated by the acrylic plastic and India ink injection method in 16 cadaver specimens, whose ages had ranged from 24-weeks (stillborn) to 84 years. It was found that the TFCC was supplied by the branches of the ulnar artery and of the anterior interosseous artery. The microvascular supply of the articular disc was basically the same as that of the meniscus of the knee joint. In the TFCC of the adult, the articular disc was avascular, with the exception of the border to the meniscus homologue and the radioulnar ligaments. A capillary plexus originating in the meniscus homologue and the radioulnar ligaments supplied the peripheral 10%-15% of the articular disc. The prestylold recess was coverd with layers of vascular synovial tissue. In the TFCC of the fetus and the infant, capillaries were observed at the surface of the TFC and the attachment to the radius. Avascular areas of articular discs in the fetus and the infant were relatively smaller than that in the adult. Cellularity was more prominent in the fetus and the infant.