Analysis of Results of Arthroscopic Repair of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury.

ABSTRACT

Background: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears are a major source of ulnar-sided wrist pain and may result in patient disability, ranging from activities of daily living to high-level athletics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in patients affected by TFCC lesion and in association with or without distal radio ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability after arthroscopic repair. Methods: Younger patients (50 years of age or younger), presented with mechanical symptoms at least 6 weeks of failed conservative treatment, a positive, fovea! tenderness test, were included in the study. Patients were excluded if they had ulnar impaction syndrome, arthritis of wrist joint or other wrist pathology on arthroscopic examination. Final results were evaluated after 1 year. Results: Forty-nine wrists in 48 patients had arthroscopy for a possibly repairable peripheral TFCC tear during the study period. Thirty four wrists in 34 patients remained after exclusions. The Mayo score from pre-operative value 46.9±10.4 was increased to 91.7±5.0 postoperatively. At final follow-up, 2 patients had fovea! tenderness, and no patients had a piano-key sign or caput ulna. Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair for traumatic TFCC fovea! tear can restore stability to the DRUJ and provide satisfactory subjective and objective results without serious complications after more than 12 months' follow-up.