The Correlation of Fracture Patterns of Distal Radius Fractures and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injures

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the correlation of patterns of distal radius fractures with the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injures. Methods: Sixty adult patients (mean age, 43 years) with distal radius fractures were included. The patients were analyzed according to the fracture character at the time of injury and classified with an Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification system. Wrist arthroscopy was performed for all cases to identify and classify TFCC injuries according to Palmer’s classification system. Results: TFCC lesion of varying severity was present in 39 fractures. Statistical analysis yielded a correlation with any patterns of the distal radius fractures with the associated TFCC injuries. The comminution or dorsal angulation of the distal radius, ulnar styloid fracture, and AO classification system have no correlation with associated TFCC injuries. Conclusions: The patterns of a distal radius fracture do not predict a TFCC injury. TFCC injury should be considered with all distal radial fractures.