Abstract
Background: Peripheral 1B tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can result in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. In the context of associated DRUJ instability, combined evidence supports successful outcomes for peripheral tear repair. Methods: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to compare the surgical treatment of 1B TFCC tears via arthroscopic versus open methods of repair. The primary outcome measure was restored DRUJ stability. The secondary outcome measures included patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcome measures. An electronic database search of Ovid Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to cover a 20-year period. Two authors independently screened records for eligibility and extracted data. Results: Only 3 studies met the strict inclusion criteria, highlighting the poor evidence base for TFCC 1B repairs. Hence, a "secondary analysis" group was developed with modified inclusion criteria which included a further 7 studies for analysis. Pooled data from the primary and secondary analysis groups demonstrated that postoperative DRUJ stability was achieved following open repair in 84% (76/90) of cases and following arthroscopic repair in 86% (129/150) of cases. Conclusions: This SR demonstrates a current lack of high-quality evidence required to draw firm conclusions on the merits of arthroscopic versus open repair of 1B TFCC tears. There is no scientific evidence to suggest superiority of one technique over the other, albeit some surgeons and authors may express a strong personal view.
Highlights
Triangular Fibro-Cartilage Complex (TFCC) tears are a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [1, 32]
Pooled data from the primary and secondary analysis groups demonstrated that post-operative distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) stability was achieved following open repair in 84% (76/90) of cases and in 86% (129/150) following arthroscopic repair
This systematic review (SR) demonstrates a current lack of the high quality evidence required to draw firm conclusions on the merits of arthroscopic versus open repair of IB Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears
Summary
Triangular Fibro-Cartilage Complex (TFCC) tears are a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain [1, 32]. They were originally described by Palmer [30] and categorised into two main types. In Palmer 1B tears, injury to the distal limb does not itself lead to DRUJ instability; disruption to the proximal limb which inserts into the fovea will cause instability [3, 40]. 1B tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) can result in distal radio-ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Peripheral 1B tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) can result in distal radio-ulnar 35 joint (DRUJ) instability. In the context of associated DRUJ instability; combined evidence supports 36 successful outcomes for peripheral tear repair
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
