Arthroscopically assisted repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: factors affecting outcome.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study was to identify factors affecting the outcome after arthroscopically assisted repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Thirty-five patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of traumatic TFCC tears were enrolled in this study (mean age, 34 +/- 12 years; 22 female and 13 male patients; mean follow-up, 29 months; range, 6 to 82 months). Patients with TFCC tears associated with distal radius fractures, or significant wrist bone or neurovascular pathology were excluded from the study. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score was used as the primary variable during statistical analysis to identify factors determining outcome.


RESULTS
The DASH score in this study was 12 +/- 12 points. A significant correlation was found between the age of the patient and the DASH score, indicating that older age has a significant negative effect on functional outcome. Significant correlations were also found between the DASH score and (1) decreased percentage of grip strength compared with the healthy side, (2) decreased supination, and (3) positive postoperative ulnar variance.


CONCLUSIONS
Age-related degenerative changes in the wrist might contribute to poor outcome and a TFCC tear resulting from minor or repetitive trauma. Loss of wrist rotation, grip strength, and ulnar positive variance are factors that are correlated with poor outcome.


METHODS
Level IV.
Ruch
David S
DS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wake Forest University, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. druch@wfubmc.edu
Papadonikolakis
Anastasios
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D051478:Triangular Fibrocartilage / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*