A Novel Arthroscopic-Assisted Repair of Palmer 1B Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Early Results

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Techniques in Orthopaedics

Abstract

Introduction:

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common and complex complaint. One common diagnosis is an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). An essential and stabilizing component of the TFCC is the foveal insertion. Multiple open, arthroscopic, and combination techniques have been described with successful outcomes. Our novel technique refines previously described techniques and takes advantage of modern technology.

Materials and Methods:

All patients underwent the novel technique, which was performed by a fellowship-trained hand surgeon. A retrospective chart review was performed and 13 patients met the inclusion criteria. Information on patient age, sex, surgery side and preoperative and postoperative Quick-Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were collected.

Results:

Patients averaged 39.69±13.95 years and were followed for a mean of 15.38 weeks. The mean preoperative Quick-DASH scores were 20.38±8.23 and postoperatively were 16.85±10.33. There was no significant improvement in Quick-DASH scores postoperatively.

Discussion:

Our arthroscopic-assisted ulnar tunnel repair offers a novel technique for foveal TFCC repairs that avoids some of the traditional complications of an open repair or knotted suture repair, is reproducible and offers the added strength of modern suture anchors with ligament to bone healing. The lack of significant improvement in postoperative outcomes was limited by the small population and short postoperative follow-up.

DOI

10.1097/BTO.0000000000000411

Publication Date

6-2021

Keywords

Assisted TFCC repair, Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, Foveal TFCC injuries-novel arthroscopic, Palmer 1B TFCC tears, Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), Ulnar tunnel TFCC repair, Wrist arthroscopy

ISSN

0885-9698

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