Comparison between MRI and Arthroscopy of the Wrist for the Assessment of Posttraumatic Lesions of Intrinsic Ligaments and the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio De Santis ◽  
Roberto Cozzolino ◽  
Riccardo Luchetti ◽  
Lucia Cazzoletti
Keyword(s):  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Mri Imaging ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Arthroscopic Findings ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

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.

The correlation of initial radiographic characteristics of distal radius fractures and injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Kasapinova ◽  
V. Kamiloski
Keyword(s):  
Distal Radius Fracture ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Distal Radius Fractures ◽  
Radius Fracture ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Radius Fractures ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage ◽  
A Prospective Study

Our purpose was to determine the correlation of initial radiographic parameters of a distal radius fracture with an injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. In a prospective study, 85 patients with surgically treated distal radius fractures were included. Wrist arthroscopy was used to identify and classify triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions. The initial radial length and angulation, dorsal angulation, ulnar variance and distal radioulnar distance were measured. Wrist arthroscopy identified a triangular fibrocartilage complex lesion in 45 patients. Statistical analysis did not identify a correlation with any single radiographic parameter of the distal radius fractures with the associated triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. The initial radiograph of a distal radius fracture does not predict a triangular fibrocartilage complex injury. Level of evidence: III

Patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries and distal radioulnar joint instability have reduced rotational torque in the forearm

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 732-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Andersson ◽  
P. Axelsson ◽  
J. Strömberg ◽  
J. Karlsson ◽  
J. Fridén
Keyword(s):  
Joint Instability ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Independent Observer ◽  
Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

A total of 20 patients scheduled for wrist arthroscopy, all with clinical signs of rupture to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and distal radioulnar joint instability, were tested pre-operatively by an independent observer for strength of forearm rotation. During surgery, the intra-articular pathology was documented by photography and also subsequently individually analysed by another independent hand surgeon. Arthroscopy revealed a type 1-B injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 18 of 20 patients. Inter-rater reliability between the operating surgeon and the independent reviewer showed absolute agreement in all but one patient (95%) in terms of the injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and its classification. The average pre-operative torque strength was 71% of the strength of the non-injured contralateral side in pronation and supination. Distal radioulnar joint instability with an arthroscopically verified injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex is associated with a significant loss of both pronation and supination torque. Level of evidence: Case series, Level IV.

The Carpal Detachment Injury of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

2002 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. NISHIKAWA ◽  
S. TOH ◽  
H. MIURA ◽  
K. ARAI
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Conservative Therapy ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Ulnar Side ◽  
Arthroscopic Findings ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries were suspected clinically in 22 wrists of 21 patients, but arthrography and MRI assessments of this structure were normal. As conservative therapy for 2 months did not improve their symptoms, wrist arthroscopy was then performed. Although no abnormalities of the TFCC and ligaments were observed, meniscus homologue-like tissue which arose from TFCC was riding on the articular surface of the triquetrum. After resection of this soft tissue with a shaver and a punch, the symptoms disappeared in all cases. The arthroscopic findings suggested that a portion of TFCC that was originally attached to the ulnar side of the triquetrum had become detached.

scholarly journals Arthroscopic Treatment Results of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2363
Author(s):  
Florian Schachinger ◽  
Sebastian Farr
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Wrist Pain ◽  
Arthroscopic Treatment ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

Introduction: Injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) may cause chronic wrist pain and instability if left untreated. The current literature of adult cases suggests that arthroscopic treatment offers favorable outcomes and is associated with a low complication rate. This systematic review evaluated the outcomes of arthroscopic TFCC surgery in adolescents. Materials and Methods: A PRISMA-guided literature search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Clinical Answers was conducted in May 2020. All studies reporting on (1) arthroscopic TFCC repair or debridement in (2) patients under the age of 19 years with (3) a minimum case number of four patients were extracted by two independent observers. The level of evidence of each study was assessed according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and study quality was graded according to the Modified Coleman Methodology Score and the MINORS criteria. Clinical outcome scores, functional parameters, and any complications were reviewed. Results: The selected search terms initially resulted in a total of 986 possible articles. The authors eventually identified eight papers (all LoE IV) for inclusion in this systematic review. A total of 254 patients with verified TFCC tears and a mean age of 16 years (range, 7–19) received arthroscopic repair (162 patients, 67.1% of total) or debridement (77 patients, 29.7% of total). Arthroscopic treatment resulted in low pain levels, high patient satisfaction, and a fast return to sport. Complications overall were sparse and consisted mainly of persistent wrist pain (n = 31) and temporary paresthesia (n = 6) of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve. Recurrent tears were sparse, with only four reported cases due to sports participation. Conclusion: Wrist arthroscopy is a reliable surgical option for treating TFCC tears in adolescents. The results obtained are comparable to those published in the literature. However, the variety of repair techniques and the low level of evidence across all included articles demand further prospective studies.

scholarly journals WRIST ARTHROSCOPY: BASIC TIPS FOR DRY ARTHROSCOPIC EXPLORATION

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 291-294
Author(s):  
HENRIQUE DE BARROS PINTO NETTO ◽  
SUZILAINE RAMOS DE OLIVEIRA ◽  
FLAVIA CURVO PEREIRA ◽  
NILTON MAZZER
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Synovial Cyst ◽  
Ligament Injury ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Injury Repair ◽  
Scapholunate Ligament Injury ◽  
Classical Technique ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

ABSTRACT Objective: This article provides details and tips on the dry arthroscopic technique, based on our experience and its clinical applications. Method: The technique was applied to 65 patients (33 men and 32 women) aged between 20 and 62 years (average of 35.4 years) for treating: synovial cyst resection, scapholunate ligament injury repair, ulnocarpal impact correction, triangular fibrocartilage injury repair, and assisted reduction of distal radius fractures. Results: A minimally invasive intra-articular evaluation has been observed as a benefit, with low infection rate, small scars, and high rates of early recovery, without affecting intra-articular fluid use, reducing the risk of compartment syndrome and infiltrated soft tissues, in the case of need for associated open surgery. As for the difficulties, we report the surgeon’s view, which is commonly prevented by optical blurring or debris that hit the lens, and the need for radiofrequency care, since the heat generated is dissipated with greater difficulty than in the classical technique. Conclusion: Dry arthroscopy emerges as an effective choice to treat wrist pathologies, however, deep knowledge and ease with the classical technique, as well as a learning curve, are key to obtain a good outcome. Level of Evidence V, Expert Opinion.

3T MRI of wrist ligaments and TFCC using true plane oblique 3d T2 Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) – a study of diagnostic accuracy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sondos Eladawi ◽  
Sharon Balamoody ◽  
Steve Amerasekera ◽  
Surabhi Choudhary
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Negative Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
3T Mri ◽  
Diagnostic Arthroscopy ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage ◽  
Wrist Ligament

Objectives: This study was designed to assess the accuracy of unenhanced 3T MRI supplemented with dedicated true plane reformats of 3d T2DESS, in assessing tears of scapholunate, lunotriquetral ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage complex, using arthroscopy as gold standard. Methods: In a retrospective cohort review, patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy and MRI over 2 years (n=46) were identified. Dedicated axial and coronal reformats were obtained from 3d T2 DESS sequence for assessing intrinsic ligaments and TFCC. At arthroscopy tears were classified using Geissler’s classification and compared to MRI findings. Results: The sensitivity of unenhanced 3T MRI in detecting scapholunate ligament tears was 87% and specificity was 90% and negative predictive value of 93%. The lunate triquetral ligament was assessed with a high specificity (97%) and negative predictive value (93%), sensitivity was 63%. Triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) tears were assessed with a sensitivity of 100%. The overall diagnostic accuracy of unenhanced 3T MRI of wrist in detecting ligament tears was 91%. Conclusion: 3T wrist MRI with dedicated reformats from 3d T2 DESS have a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing acute intrinsic ligament and TFCC injuries. High strength 3T MRI with good technical quality isotropic 3d T2 DESS is critical for accurate wrist ligament assessment. Negative predictive values of 3T MRI of 95% can lead to reduced need for diagnostic arthroscopy of the wrist. Advances in knowledge: This study assesses the diagnostic performance of unenhanced 3T MRI with 3dT2 DESS in assessing traumatic wrist ligament tears. The accuracy of T2 DESS in wrist imaging has not been previously reported.

The rein-type arthroscopic capsular suture for triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tears: midterm results for 90 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 175319342110241
Author(s):  
I-Ning Lo ◽  
Kuan-Jung Chen ◽  
Tung-Fu Huang ◽  
Yi-Chao Huang
Keyword(s):  
Simple Procedure ◽  
Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Joint Stability ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radioulnar Joint ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Ultrasound Assessment ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

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

scholarly journals The triangular fibrocartilage complex on high-resolution 3 T MRI in healthy adolescents: the thin line between asymptomatic findings and pathology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie van der Post ◽  
Sjoerd Jens ◽  
Frank F. Smithuis ◽  
Miryam C. Obdeijn ◽  
Roelof-Jan Oostra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Intensity ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Ulnar Variance ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Mri Features ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage ◽  
The Individual

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.

scholarly journals Anatomic Reconstruction of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex for the Treatment of Chronic Instability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint. A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (02) ◽  
pp. e97-e104
Author(s):  
Ignacio Miranda ◽  
Francisco J. Lucas ◽  
Vicente Carratalá ◽  
Joan Ferràs-Tarragó ◽  
Francisco J. Miranda
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Anatomic Reconstruction ◽  
Wrist Arthroscopy ◽  
Radioulnar Joint ◽  
Druj Instability ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

Abstract Introduction Peripheral injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can produce pain and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). There are several techniques for the reconstruction of the TFCC. The aim of the present paper was to summarize the tendon plasties of the DRUJ ligaments for the anatomic reconstruction of TFCC, to analyze the surgical techniques, and to evaluate their outcomes. Methods In order to perform a systematic review, we searched in the literature the terms DRUJ instability OR chronic distal radioulnar joint instability OR distal radioulnar tendon plasty. Results In total, 11 articles with level of evidence IV (case series) were retrieved. Most studies achieved good results, with recovery of wrist stability, improvement of the pain, and increase in grip strength in the functionality tests. In the historical evolution of the published series, wrist surgeons tried to perform a more anatomical plasty, with a more stable fixation and less invasive techniques. Conclusion The Adams procedure continues to be a valid and reproducible technique for the treatment of chronic DRUJ instability. If wrist arthroscopy and implants are available and surgeons have been technically trained, the authors recommend an arthroscopy-assisted technique, or, if possible, an all-arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction with implant fixation of the plasty in its anatomical points of insertion. Comparative studies between open and arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction techniques are needed.

Arthroscopic assisted tendon reconstruction for triangular fibrocartilage complex irreparable tears

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Luchetti ◽  
A. Atzei
Keyword(s):  
Late Onset ◽  
Tendon Graft ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex ◽  
Forearm Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Evaluation Scores ◽  
Complex Reconstruction ◽  
Arthroscopically Assisted ◽  
Triangular Fibrocartilage

We report our 11-year experience of performing arthroscopically assisted triangular fibrocartilage complex reconstruction in the treatment of chronic distal radio-ulnar joint instability resulting from irreparable triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. Eleven patients were treated. Three skin incisions were made in order to create radial and ulna tunnels for passage of the tendon graft, which is used to reconstruct the dorsal and palmar radio-ulnar ligaments, under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic guidance. At a mean follow-up of 68 months all but one had a stable distal radio-ulnar joint. Pain and grip strength, Mayo wrist score, Disability of the Arm Hand and Shoulder and patient-rated wrist and hand evaluation scores improved. The ranges of forearm rotation remained largely unchanged. Complications included an early tendon graft tear, two late-onset graft ruptures, one ulna styloid fracture during surgery and persistent wrist discomfort during forearm rotation requiring tendon graft revision in one case. An arthroscopic assisted approach for triangular fibrocartilage complex reconstruction appears safe and produces comparable results with the open technique. Level of evidence: IV

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