Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Research Articles

Diagnostic Accuracy of 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopy in Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury

Abstract Introduction: The advances in the understanding of wrist instability have enhanced the need for improved diagnostic modalities. 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a small joint coil has emerged as a promising tool in determining ligamentous wrist injuries. Although arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the economics of the procedure, health insurance penetrance, and indemnity concerns, a noninvasive diagnostic tool with high accuracy is the need of the hour. Materials and Methods: Here, we have compared the accuracy of a 3T MRI for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears against diagnostic wrist arthroscopy. Results: We found that 3T MRI with small joint coils has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of foveal avulsions of TFCC. By virtue of direct visualization, arthroscopy has the ability to differentiate scar, enema, and/or hematoma from an intact ligament as compared to MRI. Conclusion: Therefore, a good quality MRI (3T MRI, small joint coil, taken in proper plane and position with thin cuts) would improve the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis and reduce the burden on the health-care system.

Effective Functional Recovery after Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Repair

Effective Functional Recovery after Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Repair

Approach to chronic wrist pain in adults: Review of common pathologies for primary care practitioners.

To develop an approach for identifying, investigating, and initially managing common causes of chronic wrist pain seen by primary care practitioners. Relevant clinical evidence and literature were identified using the PubMed database. Chronic wrist pain is a common presentation in the primary care setting. The complex anatomy of the wrist leads to a broad differential diagnosis. Elements of history, findings of physical examinations and investigations, and management relevant to the following pathologies are discussed, including scaphoid fracture nonunion, thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, scapholunate ligament instability, triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, de Quervain tenosynovitis, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts. When evaluating chronic wrist pain, diagnostic imaging with x-ray scans can serve as an important ancillary investigation tool but should not override clinical suspicion. Advanced imaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) is generally best ordered by a hand surgeon when it will help clarify a diagnosis and guide treatment. Chronic wrist pain is a functionally limiting problem best managed with timely diagnosis and treatment. A thorough history and physical examination are the cornerstones of an effective evaluation. When diagnosis is delayed, some wrist pathologies can lead to relatively poor outcomes, such as a scaphoid fracture nonunion resulting in diffuse wrist osteoarthritis.

Peripheral tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic performance of the primary and secondary signs.

This study is to assess the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for type 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear of the wrist. This study retrospectively enrolled 78 patients to examine the diagnostic performance of preoperative MRI examinations in patients with type 1B TFCC tears. Thirty-nine participants had confirmed type 1B TFCC tear. The control group included 39 patients who were randomly selected from 1157 patients who underwent MRI for wrist pain. Both groups underwent a review of 19 MRI findings by two independent radiologists, and the correlation between each diagnostic finding and type 1B TFCC tear was assessed using the chi-squared test. The 19 MRI findings comprised eight primary signs of abnormalities in the distal or proximal lamina, in conjunction with 11 secondary signs suggestive of abnormalities in the surrounding structures. The TFCC tear group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of two primary MRI signs, i.e., fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina, as observed by both readers (R1, 74.4% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.003, and 87.2% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001; R2, 74.4% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.001, and 87.2% vs. 53.8%, p < 0.003, respectively). Reader 2 identified a higher prevalence of two additional primary MRI signs: fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the proximal lamina (all p < 0.05). None of the 11 secondary MRI signs demonstrated statistically significant associations with type 1B TFCC. MRI manifestations of fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina may provide predictive markers for type 1B TFCC wrist tear.

Non-dominant leading wrist injuries in Indian professional cricketers

Cricket is a popular sport played worldwide, immensely popular in India, with a high prevalence of wrist and hand injuries varying from 11% to 13%. Among batsmen, the injury rates are higher in the non-dominant leading wrist. These injuries affect the ligaments, bones, triangular fibrocartilage complex, tendons, and neurovascular structures predominantly on the palmar and ulnar aspect of the wrist and occur due to the force vectors transmitted to the wrist during the bat swing. Specific injuries can be explained by the biomechanics of this double grip sport, and its force vector knowledge of these injuries can enable the sports physician to diagnose early and effectively treat the athlete, improving their performance and outcome. The main intent of this article is to review the biomechanics and clinical presentation of the most common injuries in the non-dominant or leading wrist of cricketers.

A Case Report On The Effect Of Early Mobilization In The Rehabilitation Of An Acrobat Post-Open Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is one of the more vital structures in the wrist. The TFCC functions as a stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint and a conduit in the transmission of load in the upper extremity. Its integrity is important to allow the dynamic movement of the hand and wrist as well as in weight bearing. The TFCC can be subjected to excessive stresses, especially in elite performing athletes such as an acrobat, that can lead to its rupture.&#x0D; Partial or complete rupture of the TFCC of an elite athlete would benefit most from an open surgical repair. Surgery is then followed by hand therapy. However, due to the complexity of the TFCC, there is currently no gold standard in the rehabilitation of the TFCC. Albeit the globally practiced treatment post-surgery involves prolonged immobilization in a cast or a Muenster Splint that can range between 3 weeks and 8 weeks beforehand therapy can commence.&#x0D; The length of immobilization and time spent in hand therapy to recover range of motion, function, and strength can consume more than four months. This is a time that a performing acrobat may not have.&#x0D; This paper presents the effect of immediate hand therapy and early mobilization of the wrist of a professional acrobat who had an open surgical repair of a partial rupture of the TFCC and the Lunotriquetral ligament of the wrist.

Variation in cartilage T2 and T2* mapping of the wrist: a comparison between 3- and 7-T MRI

BackgroundTo analyze regional variations in T2 and T2* relaxation times in wrist joint cartilage and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) at 3 and 7 T and to compare values between field strengths.MethodsTwenty-five healthy controls and 25 patients with chronic wrist pain were examined at 3 and 7 T on the same day using T2- and T2*-weighted sequences. Six different regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated for cartilage and 3 ROIs were evaluated at the TFCC based on manual segmentation. Paired t-tests were used to compare T2 and T2* values between field strengths and between different ROIs. Spearman’s rank correlation was calculated to assess correlations between T2 and T2* time values at 3 and 7 T.ResultsT2 and T2* time values of the cartilage differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs (p ≤ 0.045), with one exception: at the distal lunate, no significant differences in T2 values were observed between field strengths. T2* values differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs of the TFCC (p ≤ 0.001). Spearman’s rank correlation between 3 and 7 T ranged from 0.03 to 0.62 for T2 values and from 0.01 to 0.48 for T2* values. T2 and T2* values for cartilage varied across anatomic locations in healthy controls at both 3 and 7 T.ConclusionQuantitative results of T2 and T2* mapping at the wrist differ between field strengths, with poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. Local variations in cartilage T2 and T2* values are observed in healthy individuals.Relevance statementT2 and T2* mapping are feasible for compositional imaging of the TFCC and the cartilage at the wrist at both 3 and 7 T, but the clinical interpretation remains challenging due to differences between field strengths and variations between anatomic locations.Key points•Field strength and anatomic locations influence T2 and T2* values at the wrist.•T2 and T2* values have a poor correlation between 3 and 7 T.•Local reference values are needed for each anatomic location for reliable interpretation.Graphical

Extensor Carpi Ulnaris “Turn Around” Ligamentoplasty For Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

Extensor Carpi Ulnaris “Turn Around” Ligamentoplasty For Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

A Simple Surgical Technique for Arthroscopic Repair of Traumatic Radial-Side Peripheral TFCC Tear.

Conventionally, The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) surgical procedures are complex in nature with open explorations and long hospital stays not to mention the added costs and the psychological stress for both the surgeon and the patient. Nowadays, surgical procedures are looked at in a different scope with the rapid progress of arthroscopic technology and equipment. To elaborate, here we introduce a simple surgical technique for arthroscopic repair of traumatic radial -side peripheral TFCC tear. In spite of the various surgical techniques found in the literature, we just used a k-wire and a couple of needles in order to repair Radial-sided peripheral TFCC tear. the simplicity of the current technique, adequate satisfaction and eliminating the use of a targeting device, is what sets this apart. For emphasis, this technique is less time consuming and is cost-effective with satisfactory result.

Novel Therapeutic Approach for Extensor Digiti Minimi Tendon Traction in Chronic Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain Diagnosed as Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury: A Case Report

Novel Therapeutic Approach for Extensor Digiti Minimi Tendon Traction in Chronic Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain Diagnosed as Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury: A Case Report

Arthrex Mini Tightrope Fixation for Chronic Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability.

Chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a complex clinical condition that is difficult to treat. Currently, there is no gold standard treatment. We present a novel technique using Arthrex Mini Tightrope for DRUJ stabilization. In this case series, a 1.6 mm K-wire was passed transversely through the distal ulna and radius. The Mini Tightrope was inserted into the end of the K-wire and pulled through the bone tunnels. Appropriate tension was achieved to stabilize the joint according to individual laxity comparable to the contralateral side. Five patients (3 males and 2 females) comprised this pilot series, with a mean age of 27.1 years. All sustained a traumatic injury at an average of 12.4 months before surgery (range: 5 to 32 mo). In addition, 3 patients had central triangular fibrocartilage complex tears treated with arthroscopy at the time of Mini Tightrope placement. While one patient was lost to follow-up after 7 weeks postoperative due to incarceration, 4 patients demonstrated coronal and sagittal stability in the context of DRUJ motion and a satisfactory range of motion. The mean time for the return to work for the two patients who were laborers or normal activity postoperatively was 5.2 weeks (range: 1 to 16.4 wk). Unrestricted activity was generally allowed 8 weeks postoperatively but varied by patient. The same 4 patients underwent hardware removal at an average of 31 weeks (range: 15 to 44 wk). Although this is only a pilot series, this suggests that temporary Mini Tightrope stabilization of the DRUJ may be a viable solution while upholding the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Efficacy of Integrated Korean Medicines in the Treatment of Partial Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: A Case Report

Efficacy of Integrated Korean Medicines in the Treatment of Partial Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: A Case Report

A new arthroscopic repair technique for triangular fibrocartilage complex using an intracapsular suture: an outside-in transfer all-inside repair

BackgroundArthroscopic repair is a promising, minimally invasive surgical technique for patients with Palmer type 1B peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. Although several arthroscopic techniques are effective for repairing Palmer type 1B TFCC tears, some shortcomings remain. So, we report an arthroscopic repair technique for the treatment of Palmer type 1B Atzei class 1 TFCC tears using an intracapsular suture: an outside-in transfer all-inside repair.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 38 Palmer type 1B TFCC injury patients admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into 2 groups. The group A was sutured from the outside to the inside, with a total of 21 cases; the group B was sutured with the new arthroscopic repair technique, with a total of 17 cases. Observe and compare the VAS scores and modified Mayo wrist function scores of all patients before 3, and 6 months after the operation and evaluate the incidence of thread knots in patients with different treatment methods. The methodology was performed an arthroscopic intracapsular suture using an outside-in transfer, all-inside repair technique, which is a modified method of the outside-in and all-inside technique using the needle of a 10-mL sterile syringe, for Palmer type 1B TFCC tears. A No. 2 polydioxanone suture was threaded through the needle and entered the wrist joint. Next, the needle was withdrawn carefully along the suture to the proximal tear ulnar surface of the TFCC and penetrated the TFCC, exiting the articular cavity surface of the ulnar side of the torn TFCC. Finally, arthroscopic knotting was performed.ResultsThis new treatment was as effective as the previously arthroscopic techniques and had the advantages of no additional incision and decreased risk of operation-related complications. The incidence of thread knots in the group A (28.57%) was significantly higher than that in the group B (0%), and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in VAS score and modified Mayo wrist function scores between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe outside-in transfer, the all-inside repair technique is suitable for Palmer type 1B Atzei class 1 TFCC tears. We recommend this technique as a useful alternative to the conventional methods of repairing Palmer type 1B TFCC tears.

Reliability and Validity Analysis of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Ballottement Test

Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries can cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, which can be evaluated clinically with the DRUJ ballottement test. However, the reliability and validity of the test are unclear. This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of the test using a tracking device on healthy participants and patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. In this cross-sectional study, three orthopedic hand surgeons performed the DRUJ ballottement test using a technique of holding the carpal bones to the radius on 25 healthy participants (50 hands; 10 men and 15 women; mean age, 33 years; range, 20-51 years) and eight patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries (16 hands; six men and two women; mean age, 43 years; range, 27-59 years). We used a three-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device to quantify the movement of the DRUJ and verify the reliability and validity of the test. The intrarater and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients for DRUJ movement were 0.77 and 0.61, respectively, and the kappa coefficient for grading of DRUJ instability was 0.79. The correlation coefficient between DRUJ movement measured using the tracking device and instability judged clinically was 0.77. A comparison of healthy participants and the patients showed significantly greater DRUJ movement in the patients. The test showed substantial intrarater and interrater reliability for assessing DRUJ movement and instability. The significant positive correlation between DRUJ movement and instability indicates the concurrent validity of the test. Moreover, the test showed discriminative validity in identifying mild or moderate DRUJ instability. The DRUJ ballottement test using the holding technique has a relatively high diagnostic accuracy and can be used to assess DRUJ instability.

Arthroscopic Examination of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Galeazzi Injuries: Revisiting a Complex Injury

AbstractGaleazzi fracture-dislocations result from severe trauma and can lead to loss of function of the wrist and forearm if not treated appropriately. To avoid such disasters, meticulous surgical management of the injury is necessary. The current literature talks about symptomatic distal radioulnar joint injuries in Galeazzi fracture-dislocations and the various approaches to managing instability. However, unfortunately, there is a dearth of data on the true incidence of injury to the triangular fibrocartilage in the backdrop of the severity of the mechanism of Galeazzi fractures and the damage it may cause as direct inspection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex is not done routinely as a part of management of such cases. We conducted a retrospective review of six consecutive patients with Galeazzi fracture-dislocations. Wrist arthroscopy was performed in these cases, which revealed complex tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex involving large segments of the ligament and always involving the dorsal periphery. All tears followed the same pattern of disruption of the attachments of two sides of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. We believe our findings will pave the path to further prospective studies in understanding the degree of damage in the triangular fibrocartilage in such devastating injuries and the need for meticulous arthroscopic repair.

Reverse Wafer Procedure

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to present the results of an alternative technique for treating ulnar impaction syndrome, the “reverse wafer procedure,” and assess the mid-term clinical outcomes of patients treated with this technique. Methods A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 14 patients who underwent the reverse wafer procedure for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2013 and 2020. The inclusion criteria for the study were persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, even after a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative treatment, the presence of a chondral lesion on the lunate, and an intact triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) based on arthroscopic evaluation. Postoperative clinical and subjective functional outcomes were assessed using measures such as wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, the Turkish version of the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand questionnaire (Quick DASH), and pain levels measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) and were compared with preoperative values. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated postoperatively. Results The mean follow-up period was 42.2 months (range: 24–68 months). Postoperatively, none of the patients experienced any restriction in ROM. Grip measurements significantly increased after the surgery (p = 0.003). Preoperatively, the patients had a grip strength of 41.14 kg (range 28–48 kg), which improved to 44 kg (range 30–52 kg) postoperatively. Postoperative VAS values and QDASH scores significantly decreased compared with the preoperative values (p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.001). The mean VAS score decreased from 6.1 (range 4–8) preoperatively to 0.9 (range 0–5) postoperatively. The mean Quick DASH score decreased from 49.44 (range 25–68.3) preoperatively to 10.13 (range 3.3–36) postoperatively. When asked about their satisfaction with the operation, 13 out of 14 patients reported being highly satisfied with the results. Conclusions The reverse wafer procedure presents an alternative treatment option for ulnar impaction syndrome in cases where the TFCC is intact. The mid-term results of this described technique are promising. However, further comparative studies with longer follow-ups are necessary to support these findings. Level of Evidence IV Therapeutic.

Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure for Ulnar Impaction Syndrome in an Intact Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

AbstractUlnocarpal impaction or ulnar abutment symptom occurs secondary to abnormal load bearing on the ulnar side of the wrist leading to pain symptoms and degeneration of the structures of the ulnocarpal joint.The two classical surgical methods used to address this problem are ulnar shortening osteotomy and the wafer procedure, which can either be open or arthroscopic. With the advent of arthroscopy, with surgeon harboring arthroscopy skills, arthroscopic wafer resection has been intensely popularized which requires a central perforation of the triangular fibrocartilage to approach the ulna dome through the ulnocarpal joint.So, what happens in symptomatic patients with ulnocarpal abutment with an intact triangular fibrocartilage complex who have failed conservative management. Do we perform an open procedure or do we create a perforation in the central disc of the triangular fibrocartilage complex to expose the ulnar dome? Or do we just do an ulnar shortening osteotomy?Here, we describe our arthroscopic technique of conducting arthroscopy in the narrow confines of the space below the triangular fibrocartilage complex above the ulnar dome to carry out an arthroscopic wafer procedure in a triangular fibrocartilage complex with no central perforation. The procedure can produce results similar to those of the classical arthroscopic wafer procedure described explicitly in the literature.

Combined Arthroscopic Wafer Procedure and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement versus Ulnar Shortening Diaphyseal Osteotomy in Management of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Background The literature presents great challenge in comparing the arthroscopic wafer procedure (AWP) versus ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). Purpose We aimed primarily to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of AWP with triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement versus USO in the management of UIS. Methods The study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial including 43 patients with UIS whose ulna variance was less than 4 mm. Patients were randomly allocated to either the AWP group (21 patients) who underwent AWP and TFCC debridement or the USO group (22 patients) who underwent diaphyseal USO. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the Modified Mayo Wrist (MMW) score. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, the mean operative time, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were our secondary outcomes. Results Radiological correction of variance was achieved in all patients. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the AWP group. The postoperative MMW and DASH scores were better in the AWP group than in the USO group. Fewer complications occurred in the AWP group (1 of 21 patients) compared with the USO group (3 of 22 patients). Conclusions AWP with TFCC debridement is a reliable and safe method for the management of UIS with a positive variance of less than 4 mm with better clinical and functional results than diaphyseal USO. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic type II.

Foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology: a potentially under-recognized injury.

The primary aim of the present study was to present a case series of 24 patients with foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries that were treated with arthroscopically assisted TFCC foveal repair. In total, 19 patients had a stable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and five had an unstable DRUJ. Despite this, all patients were found to have a foveal tear upon DRUJ arthroscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans detected only eight out of 23 patients with foveal injuries. In addition to their foveal injury, 19 of the 24 patients had additional pathology that required treatment. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, there was a statistically significant improvement in pain, range of motion, grip strength and functional scores. In this study, we demonstrate that having a stable DRUJ upon clinical examination and normal MRI findings does not rule out foveal TFCC injury and a high index of clinical suspicion is needed when managing patients with ulnar sided wrist pain.Level of evidence: IV.

Observational study of ropivacaine and compound betamethasone mixture for analgesia after triangular fibrocartilage complex repair under wrist arthroscopy: A single-center randomized double-blind controlled trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of an intra-articular and local infiltration injection of a compound analgesic mixture of ropivacaine and compound betamethasone on the repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex under wrist arthroscopy. MethodsThis prospective, double-blind, randomized study involved 20 patients with Atzei type 2 or 3 injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex who underwent repair under wrist arthroscopy. Patients were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the systematic random sampling method. The test group was injected with a “cocktail” mixture for pain relief. The control group was injected with normal saline. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pinch force, wrist joint mobility, wrist joint function score (PRWE score), occurrence of adverse reactions and dosage of analgesic drugs were evaluated before and after the operation in the two groups. ResultsThe resting pain of the patients in the test group was less severe than that of the control group at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after the operation (P < 0.05), and the pinch force of the patients in the test group was significantly greater than that of the control group at 1 d, 2 d and 3 d after the operation (P < 0.01). The amount of postoperative analgesics used in the test group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), and the patient satisfaction rate in the test group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no postoperative adverse effects in either group. ConclusionAn intra-articular and local infiltration injection of a “cocktail” analgesic mixture in the repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex under wrist arthroscopy can provide good pain control in the early postoperative period and reduce the amount of postoperative analgesic drugs administered, thus improving clinical safety. Level of evidenceLevel II; Randomized Controlled Trial; Treatment Study.