Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesions Research Articles

Pediatric Wrist.

Pediatric wrist injuries pose unique diagnostic challenges due to distinct bone characteristics in children and their diverse injury patterns. The dynamic development of the wrist, marked by changes in bone age and emerging ossification centers, is crucial to evaluate growth and identify potential pathologies. The skeletal composition, rich in cartilage, renders bones relatively weaker yet more elastic, impacting their susceptibility to fracture. Forearm fractures display diverse patterns influenced by torsional forces. Scaphoid fractures, less common in children, differ from those in adults. Conditions like Madelung's deformity and ulnar variance are more common wrist disorders in the pediatric population. In addition, the scarcity and nonspecificity of symptoms in those with tendon injuries and triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions can be diagnostically challenging. This article reviews pediatric wrist injuries, emphasizing ossification patterns, common fracture types, and developmental variants. Grasping these complexities in pediatric wrist development and associated pathologies is essential for precise diagnosis and treatment.

No Evidence for the Superiority of 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Over 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosing Wrist Ligamentous Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PurposesOur aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of native MRI regarding different ligamentous lesions of the wrist and to analyze the influence of technical characteristics, such as field strength, application of fat saturation, 3D sequences, and wrist coils. MethodsThe systematic search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases. Studies that were published before the 12th of February 2024 were included. All studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of native wrist MRI to that of wrist arthroscopy for suspected ligamentous lesions were included. Results were analyzed by anatomic localization and technical aspects of the MRI. To assess the quality of included studies, we used the revised QUADAS-2 tool. ResultsThe systematic search revealed 5,181 articles. Thirty-seven studies, reporting 3893 ligamentous lesions, were eligible for inclusion. The studies displayed heterogeneity in terms of technical conditions, such as field strength, the use of wrist coils, the application of 3D sequences and fat saturation. Research methods also varied. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.78 (0.66 – 0.86) and 0.81 (0.70 – 0.89) for 1.5T MRI, while sensitivity was 0.73 (0.68 – 0.78) and specificity was 0.90 (0.59 – 0.98) for 3T MRI. There was no significant difference between the two subgroups (p=0,3807 and p=0,4248). Sensitivity was 0.82 (0.75 – 0.87) for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, 0.63 (0.50 - 0.74) for scapholunate ligament (SL) tears, and 0.41 (0.25 – 0.60) for lunotriquetral ligament (LT) lesions. Specificity for TFCC lesions was 0.82 (0.73 – 0.89), for SL tears 0.86 (0.73 - 0.93), and for LT lesions 0.93 (0.81 – 0.98). ConclusionThe sensitivity and specificity of MRI is influenced by the anatomic location of the lesion and technical conditions. In terms of diagnostic accuracy, no significant difference was found between 1.5T and 3T MRI. Level of EvidenceIII. Systematic review of Level II. - III. studies.

Arthroscopic Thermal Shrinkage of Lunotriquetral Ligament Incomplete Tear without Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Perforation

Abstract Background Few studies have reported the clinical results of arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage for partial lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injury. Purpose We estimated the outcomes of arthroscopic thermal shrinkage of a traumatic LT ligament incomplete tear without triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) perforation. Methods We evaluated the results of 24 patients. The mean follow-up was 16 months. Radiographs were examined for ulnar variance (UV) and radioulnar distance on a true lateral radiograph, and wrist function was assessed based on grip strength, Mayo wrist score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, both pre- and postoperatively. Results On preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), no obvious LT ligament tear was observed in any of the patients. The preoperative LT shear test was positive in 19 cases, while the LT ballottement test was positive in 18 cases and the ulnar stress test in 16 cases. Preoperatively, the average radiographic UV was 2.1 mm and the average radioulnar distance was 0.9 mm. The LT tear type was a flap tear in 22 cases and bucket handle tear in 2 cases arthroscopically. The visual analog pain scale score improved postoperatively (from 7.5 to 0.4). The average grip strength improved from 72.7% preoperatively to 89.8% postoperatively. The Mayo wrist score was excellent/good in 6/15 cases and fair in 3 cases, with the scores ranging from 68 to 87. The average DASH score improved from 36.8 to 7. Conclusion We should be careful to differentiate LT ligament tears from TFCC lesions in the cases with ulnar wrist pain, because LT ligament tears may not be detected by MRI. Arthroscopic thermal shrinkage for traumatic LT ligament tear can be an effective treatment. Level of Evidence Level IV.

Weight-bearing test of traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex lesion with unstable radioulnar joint

BackgroundUlnar-sided wrist pain might be caused by a lesion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Patients with TFCC lesion may show an instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Before arthroscopic assessment, conservative therapy using a brace or splint may result in alleviation of symptoms. The results of our previous study showed that patients with a traumatic TFCC lesion and instability of the DRUJ had the smallest weight-bearing capacity and had the largest increase in application of the wrist brace (WristWidget). PurposeIn this prospective study, we wanted to test if the weight-bearing capacity with and without the wrist brace can be used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between patients with traumatic TFCC lesion and instability of the DRUJ. We tested if patients with traumatic TFCC lesion and instability of the DRUJ (1) have a lower weight-bearing capacity and (2) show a higher increase of weight-bearing capacity after application of a wrist brace compared to all other types of injury. Study DesignThis was a prospective cohort study. MethodsForty-eight patients presented to an outpatient clinic with suspected TFCC lesion. We measured the dynamic weight-bearing capacity of both hands with and without the wrist brace (WristWidget) by letting the patients lean on an analog scale with extended arm and wrist. The stability of the DRUJ was assessed by clinical examination by a hand surgeon preoperatively and intraoperatively. Forty-five patients received an arthroscopy and were included in the analysis. During arthroscopy, the surgeon determined if there was a traumatic TFCC lesion and DRUJ instability. Patients with a traumatic lesion of the TFCC and DRUJ instability were compared to all other cases. We used the t-test for normally distributed values, Mann-Whitney U test for nonnormally distributed values, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables, respectively Fisher’s exact if the expected cell count was less than five. ResultsPatients with a traumatic TFCC lesion and DRUJ instability had a higher weight-bearing capacity (22.8 kg) than all other cases (13.8 kg; p < 0.01). This is in contrast to our previous study, in which patients with a traumatic lesion of the TFCC had the tendency to show lower values of weight-bearing capacity than those with a degenerative lesion. While the wrist brace was worn, the relative gain was not significantly lower in patients with traumatic TFCC lesions and DRUJ instability compared to all other cases (21% vs 54%, p = 0.16). All included cases showed the same absolute increase of about 4 kg in weight-bearing capacity with the wrist brace (p = 0.93) ConclusionsThe weight-bearing test cannot be used to identify patients with traumatic TFCC lesion and DRUJ instability among those with suspected TFCC lesion. The results of our previous study could be confirmed that the weight-bearing capacity on the injured side was higher with brace than without.

A New Arthroscopic Classification of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Disorders.

Introduction The use of wrist arthroscopy has become a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disorders. Since Palmer's landmark paper, many new arthroscopic descriptions of TFCC tears have been published but there is no currently available updated comprehensive arthroscopic classification of TFCC lesions. Purpose We recently described the arthroscopic anatomy of the TFCC as viewed from a 3-4 portal. Our purpose was to propose a new TFCC disorders classification based on this new arthroscopic TFCC description. Methods We included all currently described TFCC disorders to the best of our knowledge into our arthroscopic, functional, and vascular anatomical concept. We also included patient's specific ulnar variance and distal radial ulnar joint coronal inclination as baseline treatment-oriented parameters. The fresh or chronic, reparable or nonreparable nature of some types of TFCC tears were considered as separate parameters. Results The proposed classification includes disc "D" (degenerative or traumatic), reins "R" (traumatic), and wall "W" (traumatic) lesions. Combined lesions of those three parts of the TFCC may be easily identified. This new classification should facilitate future analysis of isolated or combined TFCC disorders whether they are degenerative and/or traumatic. Discussion The authors present a new three-dimensional-three-part arthroscopic updated description of TFCC disorders with relevance to etiology and treatment principles.

Combined repair of scapholunate ligament (SL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in chronic trauma of the wrist: surgical treatment of 14 patients.

Injuries of the scapholunate ligament (SL) and of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) represent the main ligament injuries of the traumatic wrist. A double injury of the SL and TFCC ligaments is quite common in the trauma setting, and clinical examination is fundamental. MRI allows to detection of a TFCC and SL ligament injury, but wrist arthroscopy is still the gold standard for diagnosis. We present the clinical results of the combined reconstruction of chronic scapholunate ligament and TFCC injury. Fourteen patients were treated at our hospital with a combined scapholunate ligament and TFCC complex repair. All patients were surgically treated by the same senior author, after a diagnostic arthroscopy that revealed a lesion of both structures. A comparison between the pre-operative and post-operative pain and function was carried out using VAS, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Related Wrist/Hand Evaluation score (PRWHE). Wrist range of motion and strength were also compared following surgery. All patients had a mean follow-up of 54months. A statistically significant improvement was observed both with the reduction in pain (VAS from 8.9 to 5) and with the improvement of functionality scores (DASH from 63 to 40 and PRWHE from 70 to 57) and with the increase in ROM and strength. In only one patient (7%), because of pain and instability, a supplement operation was needed (Sauve-Kapandji procedure) 3months after the initial surgery. The simultaneous repair of the SL and TFCC complex has shown a good success rate in both decreasing pain and regaining functionality.

Interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging of DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries.

The purpose of this agreement was to establish evidence-based consensus statements on imaging of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries by an expert group using the Delphi technique. Nineteen hand surgeons developed a preliminary list of questions on DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries. Radiologists created statements based on the literature and the authors' clinical experience. Questions and statements were revised during three iterative Delphi rounds. Delphi panelists consisted of twenty-seven musculoskeletal radiologists. The panelists scored their degree of agreement to each statement on an 11-item numeric scale. Scores of "0," "5," and "10" reflected complete disagreement, indeterminate agreement, and complete agreement, respectively. Group consensus was defined as a score of "8" or higher for 80% or more of the panelists. Three of fourteen statements achieved group consensus in the first Delphi round and ten statements achieved group consensus in the second Delphi round. The third and final Delphi round was limited to the one question that did not achieve group consensus in the previous rounds. Delphi-based agreements suggest that CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most useful and accurate imaging technique for the work-up of DRUJ instability. MRI is the most valuable technique in the diagnosis of TFCC lesions. The main indication for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are Palmer 1B foveal lesions of the TFCC. MRI is the method of choice for assessing TFCC lesions, with higher accuracy for central than peripheral abnormalities. The main indication for MR arthrography is the evaluation of TFCC foveal insertion lesions and peripheral non-Palmer injuries. • Conventional radiography should be the initial imaging technique in the assessment of DRUJ instability. CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most accurate method for evaluating DRUJ instability. • MRI is the most useful technique in diagnosing soft-tissue injuries causing DRUJ instability, especially TFCC lesions. • The main indications for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are foveal lesions of the TFCC.

Radiologic Evolution after Scapholunate Dorsal Capsulodesis for Chronic Tears.

Background Many debates are still ongoing for the management of chronic scapholunate (SL) injuries. We have proposed an arthroscopic technique of dorsal capsulodesis with good clinical results. We now propose a radiological follow-up. Purpose To determine if arthroscopic dorsal capsulodesis can improve the radiographic SL angle and maintain this correction over time. Methods From January 2020 to January 2021, we included every patient with an SL instability and sorted them according to the European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) classification. All patients had bilateral X-rays with a measurement of the radiolunate (RL) and SL angles for both the pathologic and healthy side. We also included patients with lunotriquetral or triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions. The exclusion criteria were the presence of arthritis and persistent intraoperative SL instability after capsulodesis. An arthroscopic dorsal capsulodesis was performed in all patients as originally described by Mathoulin. The RL and SL angles were then again measured on the immediate postoperative X-ray, and then again at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The statistical analysis was done using a paired Student's t -test with 145 degrees of freedom and α = 0.05. Results We included a total of 146 patients with a 1-year follow-up. Both the RL angle and the SL angles approach the healthy side at 12 months postoperatively. The RL angle has increased from -7.23 degrees to 4.37 degrees; the difference is still statistically significative, but it is almost equal to the healthy side (5.16 degrees). The SL angle has lowered from 74.55 to 54.95; the difference is still statistically and radiologically significative (6.788 degrees) but has been lowered by 74.3%. Conclusion This study shows that this technique can normalize the dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI) over time without the need for any pinning or invasive ligament reconstructive surgery. Level of Evidence Level IV, cohort study. Clinical Relevance Dorsal capsulodesis should be considered in all reducible SL injuries, even when DISI is present.

Distal Radioulnar Joint: Normal Anatomy, Imaging of Common Disorders, and Injury Classification.

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is the distal articulation between the radius and ulna, acting as a major weight-bearing joint at the wrist and distributing forces across the forearm bones. The articulating surfaces are the radial sigmoid notch and ulnar head, while the ulnar fovea serves as a critical attachment site for multiple capsuloligamentous structures. The DRUJ is an inherently unstable joint, relying heavily on intrinsic and extrinsic soft-tissue stabilizers. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the chief stabilizer, composed of the central disk, distal radioulnar ligaments, ulnocarpal ligaments, extensor carpi ulnaris tendon subsheath, and ulnomeniscal homologue. TFCC lesions are traditionally classified into traumatic or degenerative on the basis of the Palmer classification. The novel Atzei classification is promising, correlating clinical, radiologic, and arthroscopic findings while providing a therapeutic algorithm. The interosseous membrane and pronator quadratus are extrinsic stabilizers that offer a minor contribution to the joint's stability in conjunction with the joints of the wrist and elbow. Traumatic and overuse or degenerative disorders are the most common causes of DRUJ dysfunction, although inflammatory and developmental abnormalities also occur. Radiography and CT are used to evaluate the integrity of the osseous constituents and joint alignment. US is a useful screening tool for synovitis in the setting of TFCC tears and offers dynamic capabilities for detecting tendon instability. MRI allows simultaneous osseous and soft-tissue evaluation and is not operator dependent. Arthrographic CT or MRI provides a more detailed assessment of the TFCC, which aids in treatment and surgical decision making. The authors review the pertinent anatomy and imaging considerations and illustrate common disorders affecting the DRUJ. Online supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2022.

The Pre-1D Lesion of the TFCC—A New Variant of the Palmer 1D Class

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the most important stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Its injury is the main cause for ulnar sided pain after wrist trauma. In recent years, advancements of wrist arthroscopy improved the diagnostics and treatment of the TFCC tears. The purpose of this article is to describe a variant of radial tears (1D according to Palmer), in which the radio-ulnar ligaments were ruptured in the midsubstance just before (Pre) their insertion on the sigmoid notch and illustrate the arthroscopic surgical technique used for its treatment. We name this variant of the Palmer 1D lesion, the pre-1D TFCC lesion.

Wrist Arthroscopy Is Effective for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Wrist Pain in Pediatric Patients

PurposeTo determine the outcomes of diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy in patients with chronic wrist pain who are younger than 16 years of age.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed collected data from medical records of patients who had undergone wrist arthroscopy by the senior author between 2015 and 2017 for longstanding wrist pain and were 16 years old or younger. Findings from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared with the intraoperative diagnosis, and midterm results were gathered by a telephone interview.ResultsTen patients were included. Eight of 10 patients had undergone conservative therapy before surgery, and 60% had a history of single trauma. In 6 of 10 patients, the arthroscopic diagnosis correlated with the MRI findings. Eight of 10 wrists (80%) showed a tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Only 4 of the 8 TFCC tears were correctly identified by 3-Tesla MRI.ConclusionsIn our study, wrist arthroscopy was an effective tool not only to diagnose but also to treat relevant TFCC lesions both in adolescents and children suffering from persistent wrist pain. A 3-Tesla MRI was neither sensitive nor specific enough to correctly diagnose lesions in small pediatric wrists.Level of EvidenceIV, Therapeutic case series.

Distal radioulnar joint kinematics before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: comparison with the contralateral non-injured joint.

Background and purposeFoveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion may cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Dynamic radiostereometry (dRSA) has been validated for objective measurement of DRUJ kinematics. We evaluated DRUJ kinematics by dRSA before surgery and 12 months following open foveal reinsertion of the TFCC in comparison with contralateral non-injured DRUJs.Patients and methodsIn a prospective cohort study, 21 patients (11 men) of mean age 34 years (22–50) with arthroscopically confirmed foveal TFCC lesion were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 and 12 months after open foveal TFCC reinsertion with QDASH, PRWE, pain on NRS, and bilateral dRSA imaging during a patient active press test motion cycle, including a force-loaded downstroke and a release phase.ResultsPreoperatively, the force-loaded part (> 2.3 kg; 95% CI 1.6–3.0) of the press test motion cycle (from 15% to 75%) revealed a more volar position of the ulnar head in the sigmoid notch (DRUJ position ratio) and increased distance in DRUJs with foveal TFCC lesion compared with the patients’ contralateral non-injured DRUJ (p < 0.05). 6 months postoperatively, the DRUJ position was generally normalized and remained normalized at 12 months. However, the DRUJ distance remained higher on the injured side. 12 months postoperatively, patients reported less pain during activities, with improved QDASH and PRWE scores (p < 0.007).InterpretationDRUJ kinematics during the press test showed increased DRUJ translation to a more volar position of the ulnar head after foveal TFCC lesion compared with the contralateral non-injured DRUJs. Open foveal TFCC reinsertion had a stabilizing effect on DRUJ kinematics towards normalization, and improved patient-reported outcomes 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Diagnostic accuracy of wrist MRI in comparison to wrist arthroscopy regarding TFCC lesions in clinical practice.

The purpose of this study was to arthroscopically verify MRI diagnostic accuracy for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in a regular clinical environment. A total of 859 patients' data with both preoperative MRI of the wrist and additional wrist arthroscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Two board-certified hand surgeons and one orthopaedic surgeon executed wrist arthroscopy, whereas more than 100 radiologists examined the MRI of the wrist. The accordance of TFCC lesion classification using MRI in comparison to wrist arthroscopy and diagnostic precision of the former depending on technical details were evaluated. Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for TFCC lesions is poor in comparison to wrist arthroscopy as the reference standard. Technical specifications for MRI of the wrist are heterogeneous among the radiologists. These parameters have not improved accuracy of TFCC evaluation at large. The accuracy of MRI in a regular clinical environment still remains inferior to wrist arthroscopy for detection of TFCC lesions. Development of a standard MRI protocol may be implemented on a regular basis and application of the Palmer classification for TFCC lesion should be sought.

COMPARATIVE RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS OF ACUTE TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX INJURIES.

The aim was to analyze patients with clinical diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion using standard x-ray, ultrasound, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA); to evaluate the accuracy of MRA compared with MRI in the diagnosis of this lesion; and to evaluate ultrasound as a method of diagnosing TFCC lesion. We analyzed 72 patients (46 female and 26 male; age range, 22-61 years; mean age 37 years; 50 right and 22 left wrists) with suspected TFCC lesion with clinical examination, standard x-rays, and ultrasound. We confirmed patients with traumatic TFCC injury on MRI and MRA. Ultrasound found 13 lesions in 72 patients with suspected TFCC lesions. Conventional MRI found 66 and MRA 68 TFCC lesions. Ultrasound is useful for visualizing intra-articular effusion, soft tissue, bone surface, and for early detection of occult fractures. MRI is a better diagnostic modality, fully able to visualize the TFCC cartilage and ligaments. MRA is consistently and accurately able to visualize structural abnormalities of TFCC.

Comparison between MRI and Arthroscopy of the Wrist for the Assessment of Posttraumatic Lesions of Intrinsic Ligaments and the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered the most appropriate examination for wrist ligament injuries diagnosis, but it frequently fails to assess the intrinsic ligament lesion. Therefore, wrist arthroscopy is required to enhance and define the diagnosis. Purpose We compare the MRI imaging with wrist arthroscopy for intrinsic wrist ligaments (scapholunate [SL] and lunotriquetral [LT]) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries detection. Patients and Methods From 2007 to 2014, 532 patients affected by suspected SL, LT, and TFCC posttraumatic ligament injury have been investigated by 1.5-Tesla MRI and wrist arthroscopy. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted. Only for SL ligament injury, the arthroscopic findings of complete (stage IV) and partial (stages I-III) SL ligament injury were compared with MRI findings. Statistical analysis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the diagnostic odds ratio, was used to compare MRI with arthroscopic findings. Results A total of 146 patients were accepted in the study. In 68 cases of arthroscopic SL ligament lesion, MRI confirmed the diagnosis only in 50% of the cases. In partial SL lesions, MRI was positive in 24.3% and in complete SL lesions, MRI was positive in 80.6% of the cases. In 10 cases of arthroscopic LT ligament lesion, MRI was positive in 30.0% of the cases. In 33 patients with arthroscopic TFCC lesion, MRI was positive in 66.7% of the cases. Conclusion 1.5-T MRI demonstrated to fail in confirming the lesion of SL, LP, and TFCC ligaments respectively in 50, 70, and 33.3% of the cases positive at arthroscopy. In complete SL ligament lesion, MRI reaches a higher sensitivity than in partial lesion. Arthroscopy remains the best method to demonstrate the ligament lesion and obtain more information regarding the extent and quality of the ligament damage. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, retrospective comparative study.

Long-term outcome after arthroscopic debridement of Palmer type 2C central degenerative lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

The purpose of this study was to report long-term objective and patient-reported outcome after arthroscopic debridement of central degenerative triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions. A total of 17 patients with central degenerative TFCC (Palmer type 2C) lesions and ulnar positive variance who were treated by arthroscopic debridement were retrospectively reviewed. Mean follow-up was 8.8years. Assessment facilitating the Modified Mayo Wrist score (MMWS), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH score), recording of pain level and of patient satisfaction, and radiological examination were done. Patients reached a pain level of 1.7 VAS, MMW score of 92, and DASH score of 22. No significant differences could be detected between the operated and the contralateral extremity regarding range of motion and grip strength for all patients. No perioperative complications occurred. Arthroscopic debridement of central degenerative TFCC lesions is safe, reliable, and efficacious even for ulnar positive variance. Therapeutic IV.

Increase of weight-bearing capacity of patients with lesions of the TFCC using a wrist brace

Study designRetrospective cross-sectional case series. BackgroundLesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can result in pain during axial load and unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Conventional wrist orthoses decrease initial pain sufficiently but also prevent any movement during recovery and do not contribute to the stabilization of the DRUJ. PurposeIn this retrospective analysis, we tested if the weight-bearing capacity of patients with lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex was increased by wearing a brace that stabilizes the distal radioulnar joint. MethodsTwenty-three patients had an arthroscopically confirmed TFCC lesion. We compared preoperative dynamic weight-bearing capacity of both hands with and without a commercially available wrist brace (WristWidget). Subgroup analysis was performed for stability of the distal radioulnar joint and etiology of the TFCC lesion. The dynamic ulnar variance was measured in a modified weight bearing test. We used parametric tests for normally distributed values. ResultsThe weight-bearing capacity of the hand with TFCC lesion was significantly lower than of the control hand (16 verus 36 kg; p <0.001). The relative load of the affected hand compared to the unaffected hand increased from 48 % (CI 37-60, SD 27) to 59 % (CI 47-72, SD 29) with a brace. The device had no effect on the control hand. Twelve patients with unstable DRUJ had a lower weight-bearing capacity compared to the eleven with stable joint. The percentage improvement with bracing was higher for those with unstable joints (versus stable) and traumatic lesions (versus degenrative). ConclusionThe use of a wrist brace significantly increases the weight-bearing capacity and therefore the maximum tolerated axial load of patients with a lesion of the TFCC. Patients with traumatic lesion or unstable DRUJ tend to show lower values than with degenerative lesions or stable joints.

Distal radioulnar joint stabilization with open foveal reinsertion versus tendon graft reconstruction: an experimental study using radiostereometry

PurposeSymptomatic instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) caused by lesion of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) can be treated with a number of surgical techniques. Clinical examination of DRUJ translation is subjective and limited by inter-observer variability.The aim of this study was to compare the stabilizing effect on DRUJ translation with two different surgical methods using the Piano-key test and a new precise low-dose, non-invasive radiostereometric imaging method (AutoRSA).MethodsIn a randomized experimental study we evaluated the DRUJ translation in ten human cadaver arms (8 males, mean age 78 years) after cutting the proximal and distal TFCC insertions, and after open surgical TFCC reinsertion (n = 5) or TFCC reconstruction using a palmaris longus tendon graft ad modum Adams (n = 5).The cadaver arms were mounted in a custom-made fixture for a standardized Piano-key test. Radiostereometric images were recorded and AutoRSA software was used for image analyses. Standardised anatomical axes and coordinate systems of the forearm computer tomography bone models were applied to estimate DRUJ translation after TFCC lesions and after surgical repair.ResultsThe DRUJ translation after cutting the proximal and distal TFCC insertions was 2.48 mm (95% CI 1.61; 3.36). Foveal TFCC reinsertion reduced DRUJ translation by 1.78 mm (95% CI 0.82; 2.74, p = 0.007), while TFCC reconstruction reduced DRUJ translation by 1.01 mm (95% CI -1.58; 3.60, p = 0.17).ConclusionIn conclusion, foveal TFCC reinsertion significantly decreased DRUJ translation while the stabilizing effect of Adams TFCC reconstruction was heterogeneous. This supports the clinical recommendation of TFCC reinsertion in patients suffering from symptomatic DRUJ instability due to acute fovea TFCC lesions.

Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist for clinically important lesions of the major interosseous ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex; correlation with radiocarpal arthroscopy.

To demonstrate the utility of MRI in separating clinically relevant from minor or incidental lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the major interosseous ligaments in the wrist. In this retrospective study, we identified 89 patients and correlated MRI finding with subsequent arthroscopy. Triangular fibrocartilage complex abnormalities have been subdivided into disc lesions-central and radial-or ulnar-sided tears according to MRI appearances and surgical findings as the clinical and surgical approach is very different. Interosseous ligament tears were subdivided into partial or complete, highlighting the principle of recognising surgically relevant lesions. For simple central to radial tears and perforations of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, MRI was 98.3% accurate. MRI identified all peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears seen at arthroscopy; however, the specificity of 66.7% may reflect partly the use of arthroscopy limited to the radiocarpal joint. MRI proved 95.4% accurate for surgically relevant scapholunate interosseous ligament tears and was highly accurate at separating limited from complete lunotriquetral interosseous ligament tears showing 100% accuracy for complete tears. The study shows excellent correlation between MRI and arthroscopic findings that determine surgical relevance with a very high sensitivity for triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions and accurate separation of minor versus surgically relevant ligamentous tears.

Arthroscopic Capsular Repair for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

Background The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions are frequently implicated as a cause of ulnar wrist pain following impact and loading injuries. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes following TFCC lesion repair with the arthroscopic outside-in technique. Description of Technique We inserted a 21-gauge needle with 4-0 nylon loop perpendicular to the injured triangular fibrocartilage (TFC). We held two 4-0 nylon loops with mosquito forceps, drew them once out of the joint through a 4 to 5 portal, and put both sides through each loop. After that, we pulled out the 21-gauge needles and performed outside-in sutures after making a small incision and tying directly over the capsule. Patients and Methods Twenty-one wrists who underwent arthroscopic capsular repair were included. Arthroscopic findings were evaluated, and we used a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) evaluation system to monitor relief of pain, forearm rotation range of motion, and DRUJ stability postoperatively. Results Simple ulnar avulsion (Palmer 1B, Atzei Class 1) was recognized in ten wrists. A combination of the 1B tear with a horizontal TFC tear was noted in five wrists; and ulnar avulsion extending to the dorsal half of the TFC was identified in six wrists, including complete dorsal avulsion of the TFC from the capsule. There are significantly better results in the cases whose preoperative periods were 15 months or less. Conclusion The outside-in TFC repair technique produced excellent clinical results for peripheral detachment of the TFC in cases without severe DRUJ instability and with a preoperative period less than 15 months.