Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement Research Articles

Getting a Grip on Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: A Retrospective Comparative Study on Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement Outcomes

Abstract Background A retrospective analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications of patients who underwent triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement based on gripping posteroanterior (PA) view ulnar variance measures. Methods Patients in Group A (N = 17) demonstrated ulnar variance measures <1.0 mm on the standard PA view and ≥1.0 mm on the gripping PA view. Patients in Group B (N = 13) maintained ulnar variance measures <1.0 mm on standard and gripping PA views. Clinical outcome measures included return to work, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and range of motion. Complications included persistent pain, postoperative injections, and indication for revision surgery. Qualitative and quantitative measures were analyzed using Fisher exact tests and Student's t-tests, respectively. Results Significantly more patients in Group A (7/17) did not return to work compared with Group B (1/13) (p < 0.05). Mean VAS scores decreased from 7.0 to 5.3 in Group A and from 6.8 to 2.0 in Group B. Group A reported lower flexion–extension and pronation–supination arcs compared with Group B (110 vs. 130 degrees and 161 vs. 174 degrees) (p < 0.05). Significantly more patients in Group A (10/17) reported persistent pain at ≥3 months postoperatively compared with Group B (2/13) (p < 0.05). Seven cases were indicated for revision surgery in Group A, while no cases were indicated in Group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patients in Group A reported inferior clinical outcomes compared with Group B based on pain, range of motion, and indication for revision surgery. Dynamic ulnar variance may play a role in the clinical outcomes of patients treated with TFCC debridement. Level of Evidence Level IV. Type of Study/Level of Evidence Retrospective Comparative Study/Level IV.

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.

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries in Children and Adolescents.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears can cause ulnar-sided wrist pain in children and adolescents following acute rotational injury or prior distal radius fracture. Surgical treatment, guided by the Palmer classification, is considered after activity modification and occupational therapy. All concomitant wrist pathologies, such as distal radioulnar joint instability, ulnocarpal impaction, and distal radius malunion, must be recognized and addressed at the time of TFCC debridement or repair. This article reviews recent literature guiding clinical evaluation and surgical treatment of children and adolescents with TFCC injuries. The authors' techniques for arthroscopic-assisted outside-in repair of Palmer 1B and 1D tears are described.

Arthroscopic Treatment Results of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may cause chronic wrist pain and instability if left untreated. The current literature of adult cases suggests that arthroscopic treatment offers favorable outcomes and is associated with a low complication rate. This systematic review evaluated the outcomes of arthroscopic TFCC surgery in adolescents. Materials and Methods: A PRISMA-guided literature search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Clinical Answers was conducted in May 2020. All studies reporting on (1) arthroscopic TFCC repair or debridement in (2) patients under the age of 19 years with (3) a minimum case number of four patients were extracted by two independent observers. The level of evidence of each study was assessed according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and study quality was graded according to the Modified Coleman Methodology Score and the MINORS criteria. Clinical outcome scores, functional parameters, and any complications were reviewed. Results: The selected search terms initially resulted in a total of 986 possible articles. The authors eventually identified eight papers (all LoE IV) for inclusion in this systematic review. A total of 254 patients with verified TFCC tears and a mean age of 16 years (range, 7–19) received arthroscopic repair (162 patients, 67.1% of total) or debridement (77 patients, 29.7% of total). Arthroscopic treatment resulted in low pain levels, high patient satisfaction, and a fast return to sport. Complications overall were sparse and consisted mainly of persistent wrist pain (n = 31) and temporary paresthesia (n = 6) of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. Recurrent tears were sparse, with only four reported cases due to sports participation. Conclusion: Wrist arthroscopy is a reliable surgical option for treating TFCC tears in adolescents. The results obtained are comparable to those published in the literature. However, the variety of repair techniques and the low level of evidence across all included articles demand further prospective studies.

Predictors of Secondary Ulnar Shortening and Reoperation After Arthroscopic TFCC Debridement.

Predicting which patients will do well with arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement alone or which patients may benefit from arthroscopic debridement and ulnar shortening at the same time can be challenging. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the rate and type of complications and reoperations after arthroscopic TFCC debridement. Furthermore, we aimed to identify factors associated with reoperation and specifically ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) after this procedure. We included 163 patients who underwent arthroscopic TFCC debridement as a first surgery for treatment of their ulnar-sided wrist pain. Patient charts were manually reviewed, and ulnar variance was measured on preoperative posteroanterior radiographs of the wrist. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with reoperation. Additional subgroup analyses looking at USO after TFCC debridement were performed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression survival analysis. We found a complication rate of 14% and a reoperation rate of 19% (most common USO with 10%). Chondromalacia was independently associated with reoperation. Forty percent of patients with a positive ulnar variance later proceeded to USO. A hazard ratio of 1.8 per millimeter of ulnar variance was found. Our data suggest that patients with a positive ulnar variance with frank chondral loss at the time of arthroscopic TFCC debridement may benefit from simultaneous USO.

Patient-Reported Outcomes following Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair.

Background Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain, which may lead to serious physical impairments. Arthroscopic repair has benefits such as less soft tissue damage, greater surgical accuracy, and may lead to faster recovery than open repair. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of patients with symptomatic TFCC injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement or repair. Patients and Methods A retrospective study of all consecutive patients with a TFCC injury treated arthroscopically was conducted. The primary outcome was the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score. Secondary outcomes were, pain, operative findings, complications, and additional treatment. Results A total of 51 patients with a median follow-up of 16.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 13-25) were included. Injuries were treated with TFCC debridement ( n = 25), TFCC ligament to capsule suturing ( n = 10), TFCC debridement and ligament to capsule suturing ( n = 7), TFCC debridement and synovectomy ( n = 5), and TFCC foveal reinsertion with a suture anchor ( n = 4). The median PRWE was 19.5 (IQR: 6-49). Complications occurred in three patients and in nine patients additional surgery was performed. Conclusion Arthroscopic treatment of TFCC lesions leads to satisfactory functional outcomes. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

Early Results of Surgical Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Children and Adolescents

To investigate the clinical results and patient-reported outcomes following surgical treatment for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in the pediatric and adolescent population. We reviewed 149 patients with 153 arthroscopy-confirmed TFCC tears. Mean age at surgery was 15.5 years (range, 7-19 years). There were 86 females. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were used to characterize bony and soft tissue pathology. Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity Short Form assessed functional outcomes. Median patient follow-up was 21.8 months (IQR:5.9-55.4). Pre-operatively, all patients had wrist pain or instability with activities. The median pre-operative MMWS was 80 (interquartile range [IQR], 65-90). Fifty-six (35%) presented with positive ulnar variance. Concomitant pathology included distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability (14%), ulnocarpal impaction (20%), ulnar styloid nonunion (33%), and distal radius growth arrest (30%). On arthroscopy, there were 15 (10%) isolated 1A, 79 (52%) 1B, 1 (1%) 1C, 30 (20%) 1D tears, and 25 (16%) cases of multiple tears. Twenty-six percent of wrists underwent TFCC debridement, 68% arthroscopy-assisted repair, 6% both for combined tears. Fifty-one percent of wrists underwent bony procedures-most commonly ulnar-shortening osteotomy to achieve neutral ulnar variance (40%) and symptomatic ulnar styloid nonunion excision with concomitant TFCC repair (39%). At final follow-up, pain, wrist range of motion, DRUJ stability, ulnar variance, and MMWS (median, 95 [IQR, 86.5-100]) improved significantly. The median PROMIS T-score at final follow-up was 57 (IQR, 45-57). The MMWS was better in those with concomitant bony procedures at index surgery than those with only repair or debridement of TFCC tears. Most pediatric TFCC tears are posttraumatic and peripheral. Surgical treatment of TFCC tears and concomitant pathology in the pediatric and adolescent population results in decreased pain, improved motion and stability, and excellent functional outcomes in the majority of patients. Therapeutic IV.

Role of Wrist Arthroscopy in the Management of Established Scaphoid Nonunion

Introduction Patients with scaphoid nonunion and wrist pain may have a wide spectrum of potential concomitant pathologies that may be diagnosed and potentially managed arthroscopically. The aim of this study is to assess the usefulness of wrist arthroscopy in the assessment and treatment of scaphoid nonunion and any associated injuries.Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 34 consecutive patients with established scaphoid nonunion between January 2006 and December 2012 who had undergone arthroscopic assessment. The average age of the patients was 40 years (range: 25–64), and all the patients had arthroscopic assessment of the wrist joint before definitive surgery. The patients with associated intra-articular problems, which could be addressed along with the scaphoid open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and bone grafting (BG), had definite procedure in the same sitting. However, if the patients had major intra-articular pathology that needed change in the management plan, they had staged definitive treatment after discussing with them about the arthroscopic findings.Results Arthroscopic assessment of the 34 joints showed varying degrees of arthritis affecting radioscaphoid joint (41%) followed by injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) (35%), lunotriquetral ligament (LTL) tears (32%), and scapholunate ligament (SLL) injuries (26%). Concomitant procedures performed during the wrist arthroscopy included debridement of synovitis (62%), TFCC debridement (32%), loose body removal (17%), and DRUJ stabilization and TFCC repair (3%). Twenty-nine patients had arthroscopy and definitive procedure in the same sitting, and the remaining had staged or delayed definitive treatment.Conclusion Our study highlights the usefulness of wrist arthroscopy in assessment and management of the scaphoid nonunion and associated pathologies. Besides in 18% of our patients, the initial management plan changed after arthroscopy.Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

RETRACTED: Prognostic Factors of Arthroscopic Debridement for Central Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Adults Younger Than 45 Years: A Retrospective Case Series Analysis

The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that affect the treatment outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for central triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in adults <45years of age. A total of 71 patients (mean age, 39years; range, 20-44years) who had been arthroscopically diagnosed with central TFCC tears were treated with arthroscopic debridement. Demographic, clinical, and arthroscopic findings were examined and analyzed. The response to treatment, including pain numeric rating scale on an ulnar provocation test; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; and satisfaction with treatment, was assessed at 12-month follow-up. The mean pain numeric rating scale (6.6 ± 3.6 to 2.4 ± 2.0, P < .01) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (59.3 ± 15.0 to 33.7 ± 14.1, P< .01) scores exhibited significant clinical improvement at 12-month follow-up. In terms of satisfaction, 43 patients (70.5%) were satisfied (enthusiastic or satisfied) and 18 (29.5%) were dissatisfied (noncommittal or disappointed). In the satisfied group, there were 24 flap and 19 wearing tears, whereas in the dissatisfied group, there were 4 flap and 14 wearing tears (P= .02). The extent of ulnar plus variance on preoperative radiographs also differed between the 2 groups (0.5 ± 1.2 vs 1.7 ± 1.1, P < .01). There were no significant differences in age, gender, hand dominance, or work level between the groups. After controlling for confounding variables, the wearing type tears (odds ratio, 3.4) and greater ulnar plus variance (odds ratio, 2.0) were associated with a higher likelihood of dissatisfaction after arthroscopic TFCC debridement. Although clinical outcome scores showed significant improvement after arthroscopic debridement for central TFCC tears, wearing type tears and greater ulnar plus variance were associated with dissatisfaction and poorer postoperative outcomes after the procedure. Level IV, case series.

Outcomes after Arthroscopic Debridement of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Adolescents.

Background To the best of our knowledge, we are not aware of any reports focusing on results of arthroscopic debridement of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in immature patients. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate our results after arthroscopic debridement of TFCC tears in adolescents. Materials and Methods We retrospectively identified all patients of 18 years or less, who received an arthroscopic TFCC debridement due to a traumatic or degenerative tear according to Palmer. These cases were clinically re-evaluated after a mean period of 6.7 years (SD ± 3.9 years). All patients completed the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) inventory, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE). Results Thirteen adolescent patients (mean age: 15.6 ± 2.2 years at surgery) were included. The mean MMWS increased significantly from 70 ± 13.6 to 90 ± 6.5 after the TFCC debridement; mean postoperative DASH and PRWE scores of 17 ± 15.2 and 21 ± 18.5, respectively, indicated good and excellent outcomes for the majority of the cohort. The mean pain level decreased significantly from a mean of 5.7 ± 2.0 to 1.8 ± 2.0 at follow-up. Six patients needed a reoperation to achieve a successful outcome. Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement of TFCC tears, performed as a concomitant wrist surgery in adolescents, efficiently reduced wrist pain and yielded good to excellent results in the long term. However, under certain circumstances, its results are unpredictable and further surgery may be necessary to eventually achieve the satisfying outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Utilizing a TriMed Ulnar Osteotomy System

Ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS) is a degenerative condition of the ulnar wrist typically seen in patients with static or dynamic ulnar-positive variance. Impaction of the distal ulna on the proximal lunate and triquetrum leads to degeneration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and/or the chondral surfaces of the lunate and triquetrum. Patients with UIS present with pain in the ulnar aspect of the wrist. In cases of UIS refractory to nonoperative treatment, several surgical techniques have been described, including arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement, arthroscopic wafer procedure, and ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO). USO has gained favor as a reliable technique to offload the forces seen at the ulnar wrist extra-articularly while preserving the distal radioulnar joint stabilizing structures. We describe a technique utilizing a jig-facilitated, oblique, diaphyseal USO and fixed with a TriMed ulnar osteotomy compression plate. This system allows for precise measured ulnar shortening and reliable compression across the osteotomy site, and has been shown to decrease operative times and achieve to high union rates. Plate prominence is minimized by utilizing the volar surface of the ulna, although plate prominence and subsequent need for hardware removal remain a relatively common complication.

Simple debridement has little useful value on the clinical course of recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment results following arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement for recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain. According to the treatment algorithm, 66 patients (36 men and 30 women with a mean age of 38.1 years (15 to 67)) with recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain were allocated to undergo ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO; n = 24), arthroscopic TFCC repair (n = 15), arthroscopic TFCC debridement (n = 14) or prolonged conservative treatment (n = 13). The mean follow-up was 36.0 months (15 to 54). Significant differences in Hand20 score at 18 months were evident between the USO group and TFCC debridement group (p = 0.003), and between the TFCC repair group and TFCC debridement group (p = 0.029). Within-group comparisons showed that Hand20 score at five months or later and pain score at two months or later were significantly decreased in the USO/TFCC repair groups. In contrast, scores in the TFCC debridement/conservative groups did not decrease significantly. Grip strength at 18 months was significantly improved in the USO/TFCC repair groups, but not in the TFCC debridement/conservative groups. TFCC debridement shows little benefit on the clinical course of recalcitrant ulnar wrist pain even after excluding patients with ulnocarpal abutment or TFCC detachment from the fovea from the indications for arthroscopic TFCC debridement.

Wrist Arthroscopy under Portal Site Local Anesthesia (PSLA) without Tourniquet.

Purpose wrist arthroscopy is typically performed under general or regional anesthesia with the aid of a tourniquet to maintain a bloodless field. We have been using portal site local anesthesia (PSLA) for wrist arthroscopy without a tourniquet since 1998. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and complications of PSLA and whether this can be recommended for routine wrist arthroscopy. Method We conducted a retrospective study, identifying 111 consecutive cases of wrist arthroscopies performed from January 2007 to December 2009. All cases were performed under PSLA. The effectiveness of PSLA was assessed by analyzing whether the procedure required adjuvant forms of anesthesia. The subjective effectiveness was assessed via phone questionnaires. Results Sixty-eight male and 43 female patients were identified. The average age was 43.2 (range 16-77). The indications included chronic wrist pain of unknown origin (30), posttraumatic arthritis (27), rheumatoid arthritis (5), ganglion (30), triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury (14), infectious (1), and carpal instability (4). The average duration of the procedures was 73 minutes (range 20-255 minutes). Therapeutic procedures were performed in all 111 cases in addition to a routine diagnostic assessment. These included arthroscopic debridement (82) synovectomy (6), ganglionectomy (30), TFCC repair (3), TFCC debridement (11), radial styloidectomy (2), wafer procedure (4), thermal shrinkage (2), distal scaphoidectomy (1), and synovial biopsy (4). All procedures could be completed uneventfully. Most patients tolerated the procedure well throughout the operation, and the satisfaction level was high. No complication was encountered. Discussions We concluded that PSLA technique is a feasible mode of anesthesia in selected patients. Level IV.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Ulnar impaction syndrome occurs in the setting of a central traumatic or degenerative defect in the triangular fibrocartilage complex in patients with ulnar positive variance. Chondral and subchondral edema, mechanical impingement of the articular disc, and chondromalacia of the distal ulna, proximal lunate, and proximal triquetrum produce symptoms with activity that do not improve with rest. Decreasing ulnocarpal load-sharing across the wrist with recession of the distal ulna is necessary to relieve symptoms in the majority of patients. Arthroscopic treatment with triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic ulnar wafer resection is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. It affords a single-stage, minimally invasive approach, with similar efficacy and fewer complications than open wafer resection or ulnar shortening osteotomy.

Arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement using radiofrequency probes

The initial results of using radiofrequency probes for debridement of a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex were studied in 20 patients with a mean age of 44 (range 27-56) years presenting with ulnar-sided wrist pain. On arthroscopic examination, 18 central and two radial triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were identified and debrided to a stable rim using radiofrequency probes. The mean follow-up was 22 (range 9-35) months. Seventeen patients experienced substantial pain relief. In three, the pain was unchanged. The mean flexion extension arc was 132 degrees , pronosupination arc 155 degrees and mean grip strength was 83% of that of the unaffected side. Using the modified Mayo wrist score, there were ten excellent, seven good and three fair results. No perioperative complications occurred. Radiofrequency probes were found to be safe and effective for use in triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement. These results compare favourably with other standard methods of treatment of this problem.

A comparison of combined arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and arthroscopic wafer distal ulna resection versus arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and ulnar shortening osteotomy for ulnocarpal abutment syndrome

Purpose: Treatment of ulnocarpal abutment (UAS) syndrome involves decompression of the pressure and impingement, or abutment of the ulnocarpal articulation. Debridement of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears alone in the patient with UAS may have a failure rate of as much as 25% to 30%. Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) can be an effective treatment of failed TFCC debridement. Good results have been reported with combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement and mechanical arthroscopic distal ulnar resection. Similar results have been reported with both ulnar shortening osteotomy and open wafer distal ulnar resections in the UAS patient. Because all of these treatment choices appear to yield similar relief of symptoms, determination of the optimal treatment protocol remains a point of debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 2 different surgical treatments for UAS. Type of Study: Retrospective review. Methods: Eleven combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement and arthroscopic distal ulna resections (arthroscopic wafer procedures; AWP) were compared with 16 arthroscopic TFCC debridement and USOs. All patients had diagnostic wrist arthroscopy and arthroscopic TFCC debridement. All patients presented with ulnar wrist pain or neutral or positive ulnar variance, and all experienced at least 3 months of failed conservative management. Results: At mean follow-up times of 21 and 15 months, respectively, 9 of 11 patients showed good to excellent results after arthroscopic TFCC debridement and AWP compared with 11 of 16 after arthroscopic TFCC debridement and USO. A statistically significant difference ( P < .05) in the complication rates was identified, including secondary procedures and tendonitis. One secondary procedure and 2 cases of tendonitis were seen in the arthroscopic wafer group. Conclusions: Combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement and arthroscopic wafer procedure provides similar pain relief and restoration of function with fewer secondary procedures and tendonitis when compared with arthroscopic TFCC debridement and USO, for the treatment of UAS. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Combined arthroscopic TFCC debridement and wafer resection of the distal ulna in wrists with triangular fibrocartilage complex tears and positive ulnar variance.

Because a certain percentage of patients with positive ulnar variance experience incomplete pain relief after triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) debridement alone, we prospectively evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of combining arthroscopic TFCC debridement with arthroscopic wafer resection in such wrists as part of the same surgical procedure. We enrolled 12 patients between July 1998 and July 2000 and performed both subjective and objective assessment at follow-up with a minimum of 6 months and an average of 14 months. Seven posttraumatic and 5 degenerative tears were identified. Preoperative ulnar variance with a pronated grip x-ray averaged 2 mm and ranged between 1 and 4 mm. At final review 8 patients experienced complete pain relief and 4 experienced only minimal symptoms. The ulnocarpal stress test failed to elicit pain in any wrist. Nine patients were very satisfied, and 3 were satisfied. Grip strength improved 8 kg (36%). This procedure should be considered in the treatment of ulnar wrist pain when TFCC tears and positive ulnar variance coexist.

Wrist arthroscopy: treatment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries

Objectives: We evaluated the functional results of treatment in 55 patients who were found to have Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears during wrist arthroscopy. Methods: A total of 104 patients with chronic wrist pain underwent arthroscopic evaluation, during which 55 patients showed TFCC injuries. Primary suturing (n=2) and TFCC debridement (n=53) were performed. The functional results were evaluated using a modified Mayo scale. Results: Functional mean scores with modified Mayo scale were 47 and 74 before and at the end of the treatment, respectively. Excellent, good, moderate, and fair results were obtained in 30 (54%), 17 (31%), six (11%), and two (4%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: Arthroscopic surgery appears to be the best method of treatment in TFCC injuries.

Management of isolated triangular fibrocartilage complex perforations of the wrist

The purpose of this study was to examine surgical and therapeutic management of patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex perforations of the wrist. Anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and therapeutic intervention were examined. Twenty-three patients with symptomatic triangular fibrocartilage complex tears were followed after arthroscopic debridement. Emphasis of hand therapy was placed on decreasing edema and obtaining maximum range of motion, strength, and function. Twenty-two of the 23 patients had been employed at the time of their injuries. Seventeen patients (77%) were asymptomatic following triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and hand rehabilitation. The mean time for return to work was 5.5 weeks after arthroscopy and therapy. Retrospective, post-operative functional results compared with those of the opposite unaffected limbs were: grip strength, 71%; lateral pinch, 79%; three jaw-chuck, 83%; pronation, 94%; supination, 85%; wrist palmar flexion, 87%; wrist dorsiflexion, 86%; radial deviation, 91 %; and ulnar deviation, 95%. This study suggests favorable functional results following arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex debridement and hand rehabilitation.