Return to Activity After Arthroscopically Assisted Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

To evaluate patients' ability to return to preinjury activity level after arthroscopically assisted triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair. The PubMed electronic library was systematically searched from inception to August 2021 for any eligible articles using a combination of the phrases "TFCC," "return to sport," "return to work," and "athlete." Studies that evaluated patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of isolated TFCC injury and reported objective or patient-reported outcome measures were included. Fifteen studies representing 478 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An average of 84% of patients were able to fully return to their previous work or sport activities. Most studies reported that range of motion (ROM) and grip strength (GS) both returned to >90% of the contralateral side, and every study that evaluated pain levels found a significant reduction in pain postoperatively. Mayo Modified Wrist Score was reported as excellent or good in 83% of patients, and the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 13.8 postoperatively. Patients were able to return to their previous work or sport activities at a high rate after TFCC repair, even those participating in more strenuous activities. Measurable functional outcomes of ROM and GS were also reliably restored to near preinjury levels. Patient-reported outcomes of pain and disability were similarly improved after TFCC repair. Current literature has established the long-term success of TFCC repair but is lacking in evaluation of the time points at which patients can expect functional status to be restored.