Results of acute arthroscopically repaired triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries associated with intra-articular distal radius fractures.
OBJECTIVE
This study reviews the results of acute repair of peripheral ulnar-sided triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) detachment associated with intra-articular distal radius fractures.


METHODS
Two-year follow-up of patients who had undergone acute TFCC repair.


METHODS
Fifty-six patients underwent arthroscopically assisted treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures using external fixation and adjunctive percutaneous pinning between 1994 and 1998. Thirteen patients with an acute, complete tear of the ulnar attachment of the TFCC were treated using arthroscopic repair of the TFCC in addition to stabilization of the radius fracture. All patients were evaluated at a mean of 24 months (range, 17 to 35 months) with a physical examination, wrist radiographs, and a Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) module outcome assessment questionnaire.


RESULTS
Average wrist flexion, extension, pronation, and supination were 67.3, 61.8, 79.1, and 86.8, respectively. The average grip strength was 78% of the uninjured side. The results of the Gartland and Werley grading system were good to excellent in 12 patients and fair in 1 patient. The DASH outcome scores revealed a mean functional score of 13 and a mean athletic score of 12. None of the patients reported ulnar-sided pain at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopically assisted TFCC repair in conjunction with distal radius fixation resulted in a high degree of patient satisfaction and good to excellent clinical outcomes.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1070, USA.
David S
DS
Ruch
Charlie C
CC
Yang
Beth Paterson
BP
Smith
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001858:Bone Nails; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000601:surgery*