[Wrist stability after experimental traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the changes in stability of the wrist after experimental traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions, and to provide basic theoretical criteria for clinical treatment.


METHODS
Fourteen adult cadaver upper extremities specimens were included. Two of 14 specimens were tested in pre-experiment. The specimens were tested in a INSTRON 8874 biomechanics measuring instrument. First a dorsal arthrotomy (ART) was performed, and second test was with 1 of 4 different experimental lesions according to Palmer's classification of traumatic TFCC lesions (n=3). 1A: central perforation; 1B: ulnar avulsion with or without fracture of processus styloideus ulnae; 1C: distal avulsion with ligament injury; 1D: radial avulsion. Forced internal external rotation torque were recorded in the interval -60 degrees to 60 degrees of flexion.


RESULTS
The average torque of the dorsal ART was (0.713 +/- 0.121) Nm, and the 1B-1 lesion (ulnar avulsion without ulnar styloid fracture) was (0.709 +/- 0.134) Nm, the 1B-2 lesion (ulnar avulsion with ulnar styloid fracture) was (0.409 +/- 0.113) Nm. The difference between the 1B-1 lesion and the dorsal ART was not significant but the difference between the 1B-2 lesion and the dorsal ART was significant (P < 0.05). The average torque of the 1C lesion in about 45 degrees of wrist extension and flexion were (0.878 +/- 0.184) Nm and (0.988 +/- 0.197) Nm, and the dorsal ART were (1.510 +/- 0.173) Nm and (1.540 +/- 0.093) Nm. The difference between the two groups was significant (P < 0.05). The 1A lesion and 1D lesion did not alter significantly wrist stability.


CONCLUSIONS
The 1B-2 lesion and 1C lesion alter significantly the stability of the wrist.
Shang
Zhenghui
Z
Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
Huang
Fuguo
F
Cen
Shiqiang
S
Wang
Rongshi
R
Niu
Xueqiang
X
Liu
Aixue
A
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051478:Triangular Fibrocartilage / Q000293:injuries*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*