MRI findings in bucket-handle tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-424
Author(s):  
Jean Jose ◽  
Azael Arizpe ◽  
Carlos M. Barrera ◽  
Nisreen Shabbir Ezuddin ◽  
David Chen
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie van der Post ◽  
Sjoerd Jens ◽  
Frank F. Smithuis ◽  
Miryam C. Obdeijn ◽  
Roelof-Jan Oostra ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The objective of the study is to provide a reference for morphology, homogeneity, and signal intensity of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and TFCC-related MRI features in adolescents. Materials and methods Prospectively collected data on asymptomatic participants aged 12–18 years, between June 2015 and November 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. A radiograph was performed in all participants to determine skeletal age and ulnar variance. A 3-T MRI followed to assess TFCC components and TFCC-related features. A standardized scoring form, based on MRI definitions used in literature on adults, was used for individual assessment of all participants by four observers. Results per item were expressed as frequencies (percentages) of observations by all observers for all participants combined (n = 92). Inter-observer agreement was determined by the unweighted Fleiss’ kappa with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results The cohort consisted of 23 asymptomatic adolescents (12 girls and 11 boys). Median age was 13.5 years (range 12.0–17.0). Median ulnar variance was −0.7 mm (range − 2.7–1.4). Median triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) thickness was 1.4 mm (range 0.1–2.9). Diffuse increased TFC signal intensity not reaching the articular surface was observed in 30 (33%) observations and a vertical linear increased signal intensity with TFC discontinuation in 19 (20%) observations. Discontinuation between the volar radioulnar ligament and the TFC in the sagittal plane was seen in 23 (25%) observations. The extensor carpi ulnaris was completely dislocated in 10 (11%) observations, more frequent in supinated wrists (p = 0.031). Inter-observer agreement ranged from poor to fair for scoring items on the individual TFCC components. Conclusion MRI findings, whether normal variation or asymptomatic abnormality, can be observed in TFCC and TFCC-related features of asymptomatic adolescents. The rather low inter-observer agreement underscores the challenges in interpreting these small structures on MRI. This should be taken into consideration when interpreting clinical MRIs and deciding upon arthroscopy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 08 (05) ◽  
pp. 423-425
Author(s):  
Leen Vanlaer ◽  
Sebastiaan Kellens ◽  
Maarten Van Nuffel

Background Congenital abnormalities of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are rare and could be mistaken for a traumatic lesion. It is important to recognize these anatomical variations and to realize they do not always require treatment. Case Description An incidental finding of an atraumatic bucket handle abnormality of the TFCC in a 15-year-old male, who was treated arthroscopically for dorsal wrist pain. This structure was resected, thus obtaining a normal looking peripheral TFCC. Literature Review Literature regarding congenital abnormalities of the TFCC is limited to a meniscoid articular disc or a congenital perforation. To our knowledge, an atraumatic bucket handle abnormality has not been described yet. Clinical Relevance This congenital abnormality of the TFCC could be mistaken for a traumatic lesion on MRI, or during wrist arthroscopy; therefore, it is important to realize that this entity may occur and does not require treatment.


Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894472093736
Author(s):  
Svenna H. W. L. Verhiel ◽  
Julia Blackburn ◽  
Marco J. P. F. Ritt ◽  
Frank J. Simeone ◽  
Neal C. Chen

Background: The clinical picture of ulnar-sided wrist pain is oftentimes confusing because various pathologies may be coexistent. In this study, we aimed: (1) to compare the prevalence of potential causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who underwent triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair and control subjects: and (2) to evaluate whether inferior clinical results were associated with specific patient characteristics or other potential causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Methods: We included 67 patients who underwent a TFCC repair and 67 control subjects. The MRI scans were examined for sources of ulnar-sided wrist pain. After TFCC repair, 42 patients (63%) completed surveys, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and pain scores. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare our groups and to identify factors associated with our outcomes. Results: We found significantly higher rates of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis ( P = .033), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) pathology ( P = .028), and ulnar styloid fractures ( P = .028) in patients with TFCC repairs. With increasing age, increasing pathology in the pisotriquetral joint ( P = .040), more ulnocarpal abutment ( P = .0081), and more degenerative tears ( P < .001) were seen in both groups. No demographic characteristics or MRI findings were significantly associated with our outcomes. Conclusions: We observed higher rates of DRUJ arthritis and ECU pathology in patients with TFCC tears undergoing repair compared with age- and sex-matched controls. This may be due to damage to the TFCC itself altering relationships of the DRUJ and the ECU subsheath, or it may reflect various pathologies that cause ulnar-sided wrist pain and drive patients toward surgery.


Author(s):  
Sergio De Santis ◽  
Roberto Cozzolino ◽  
Riccardo Luchetti ◽  
Lucia Cazzoletti

Abstract Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered the most appropriate examination for wrist ligament injuries diagnosis, but it frequently fails to assess the intrinsic ligament lesion. Therefore, wrist arthroscopy is required to enhance and define the diagnosis. Purpose We compare the MRI imaging with wrist arthroscopy for intrinsic wrist ligaments (scapholunate [SL] and lunotriquetral [LT]) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries detection. Patients and Methods From 2007 to 2014, 532 patients affected by suspected SL, LT, and TFCC posttraumatic ligament injury have been investigated by 1.5-Tesla MRI and wrist arthroscopy. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were adopted. Only for SL ligament injury, the arthroscopic findings of complete (stage IV) and partial (stages I–III) SL ligament injury were compared with MRI findings. Statistical analysis, including sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and the diagnostic odds ratio, was used to compare MRI with arthroscopic findings. Results A total of 146 patients were accepted in the study. In 68 cases of arthroscopic SL ligament lesion, MRI confirmed the diagnosis only in 50% of the cases. In partial SL lesions, MRI was positive in 24.3% and in complete SL lesions, MRI was positive in 80.6% of the cases. In 10 cases of arthroscopic LT ligament lesion, MRI was positive in 30.0% of the cases. In 33 patients with arthroscopic TFCC lesion, MRI was positive in 66.7% of the cases. Conclusion 1.5-T MRI demonstrated to fail in confirming the lesion of SL, LP, and TFCC ligaments respectively in 50, 70, and 33.3% of the cases positive at arthroscopy. In complete SL ligament lesion, MRI reaches a higher sensitivity than in partial lesion. Arthroscopy remains the best method to demonstrate the ligament lesion and obtain more information regarding the extent and quality of the ligament damage. Level of Evidence This is a Level II, retrospective comparative study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110241
Author(s):  
I-Ning Lo ◽  
Kuan-Jung Chen ◽  
Tung-Fu Huang ◽  
Yi-Chao Huang

We describe an arthroscopic rein-type capsular suture that approximates the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the anatomical footprint, and report the results at a minimum 12 month follow-up. The procedure involves two 3-0 polydioxanone horizontal mattress sutures inserted 1.5 cm proximal to the 6-R and 6-U portals to obtain purchase on the dorsal and anterior radioulnar ligaments, respectively. The two sutures work as a rein to approximate the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the fovea. Ninety patients with Type IB triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries were included retrospectively. The 12-month postoperative Modified Mayo Wrist scores, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores and visual analogue scale for pain showed significant improvements on preoperative values. Postoperative range of wrist motion, grip strength and ultrasound assessment of the distal radioulnar joint stability were comparable with the normal wrist. The patients had high satisfaction scores for surgery. There were minor complications of knot irritation. No revision surgery for distal radioulnar joint instability was required. It is an effective and technically simple procedure that provides a foveal footprint contact for the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Level of evidence: IV


Hand Therapy ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 175899832110333
Author(s):  
Zhiqing Chen

Introduction Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and impaired wrist proprioception. Sensorimotor training of extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and pronator quadratus (PQ) can enhance DRUJ stability. With limited evidence on effectiveness of TFCC sensorimotor rehabilitation, this study aimed to evaluate the effects and feasibility of a novel wrist sensorimotor rehabilitation program (WSRP) for TFCC injuries. Methods Patients diagnosed with TFCC injuries were recruited from May 2018 to January 2020 at an outpatient hand clinic in Singapore General Hospital. There are four stages in WSRP: (1) pain control, (2) muscle re-education and joint awareness, (3) neuromuscular rehabilitation, and (4) movement normalization and function. WSRP also incorporated dart throwing motion and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Outcome measures included grip strength measured with grip dynamometer, numerical pain rating scale, joint position sense (JPS) measurement, weight bearing measured with the ‘push-off’ test, and wrist function reported on the Patient Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation. Results Ten patients completed the WSRP. Mean changes were compared with minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for outcomes. All patients achieved MCID on pain, 70% of patients achieved MCID on grip strength, weight bearing and wrist function. Paired t-tests and Cohen’s D for outcome measures were calculated. There were large effect sizes of 2.47, 1.35, and 2.81 for function, grip strength and pain respectively, and moderate effect sizes of 0.72 and 0.39 for axial loading and JPS respectively. Discussion WSRP presents a potential treatment approach in TFCC rehabilitation. There is a need for future prospective clinical trials with control groups.


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