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

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.

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Kasapinova ◽  
V. Kamiloski

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


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 732-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Andersson ◽  
P. Axelsson ◽  
J. Strömberg ◽  
J. Karlsson ◽  
J. Fridén

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (02) ◽  
pp. e97-e104
Author(s):  
Ignacio Miranda ◽  
Francisco J. Lucas ◽  
Vicente Carratalá ◽  
Joan Ferràs-Tarragó ◽  
Francisco J. Miranda

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.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 116-122
Author(s):  
Colin T. McNamara ◽  
Salih Colakoglu ◽  
Matthew L. Iorio

AbstractTriangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries can present incidentally as an asymptomatic lesion or can cause acute and chronic pain. This study compared different treatment approaches for symptomatic Palmer Type 1 TFCC injuries and rates of improvement using a systematic review of the literature. Two hundred thirty-one articles were identified, 43 met criteria and were included. Two of these articles indicated conservative therapy may be adequate. Patients who underwent debridement for any Type 1 Palmer class returned to work at a rate of 92% (n = 182), but only 44% (n = 38) were free of pain. For 1B lesions that underwent repair, 68.3% (n = 226) were able to return to work and 41% (n = 52) had persistent pain. 1D lesions were treated with both repair and debridement with similar results. Data for Types 1A and 1C were limited as no authors solely addressed these lesions. For 1A lesions, those treated with traditional treatment of debridement still had high rates of being unable to return to work. The literature remains insufficient, making comparison between studies and techniques difficult. For asymptomatic injuries, there is no need for treatment. For patients with recalcitrant symptoms, surgery improves pain, grip strength, and increases return to work and activity. The level of evidence is IV.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 16 (02) ◽  
pp. 177-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukio Abe ◽  
Yasuhiro Tominaga

Wrist arthroscopy has been successfully used with many modifications and improvements. However, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy is still uncommon. We experienced 2 cases of ulnar-sided wrist pain due to isolated triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disk tear within the DRUJ. DRUJ arthroscopy in these cases showed horizontal tear and fibrillation of TFCC disk without TFCC tear at the radiocarpal joint. Foveal attachment was intact in both cases. These were treated with debridement, which relieved pain after surgery and achieved good functional recovery. Although DRUJ arthroscopy is technically difficult, it is mandatory for making a diagnosis and treating ulnar-sided wrist pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-246
Author(s):  
Thomas Kootstra ◽  
Wouter van Leeuwen ◽  
Neal Chen ◽  
David Ring

Background There is controversy regarding the value of repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Given that an acute tear of the TFCC associated with a displaced distal radius fracture uncommonly benefits from repair, the role of repair in other settings is uncertain. Our impression is that TFCC repair is highly variable from surgeon-to-surgeon. Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of TFCC repair in patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the wrist obtained for ulnar-sided wrist pain, and that showed signal changes in the TFCC. We tested the primary null hypothesis that there are no demographic or surgeon factors associated with repair of the TFCC. Patients and Methods Three hundred and ninety-four patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain and an MRI scan showing changes in the TFCC were included in this retrospective study. No patients had instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) recorded in the medical record. Surgical repair of TFCC tears was used as the primary outcome during statistical analysis to identify factors associated with repair. Results Out of 394 (6%), 25 patients underwent TFCC repair. We found that 10% of the treating surgeons (4 out of 41) performed 80% of the procedures (20 out of 25). Patients who discerned a trauma prior to their symptoms and patients whose MRI showed signal changes primarily in the ulnar portion of the TFCC were more likely to have surgical repair. Conclusion We found that the rate of TFCC repair varies substantially from surgeon-to-surgeon. The observation that repair is more likely to happen when patients perceive themselves as injured suggests that perception of injury affects how patients and surgeons consider treatment options. To help avoid surgeries based on surgeon bias or patient misperception, we suggest studying the effect of tools that provide simple, balanced, dispassionate, and empowering information (e.g., decision aids) that can limit surgeon-to-surgeon variation. Level of Evidence Level IV.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (03) ◽  
pp. 313-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ki Jin Jung ◽  
Jae-Hwi Nho ◽  
Jin Hyeung Kim ◽  
Byung-Sung Kim ◽  
Hyun Sik Gong

Background: This purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review of available literature regarding the association between ulnar variance and outcomes after repair of peripheral traumatic tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Methods: A systematic literature search of the medical literature about peripheral tears of the TFCC was performed. We selected seven studies comparing clinical outcome and ulnar variance in patients with peripheral TFCC tears. We evaluated quality of the articles using both the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES) and Sackett’s Level of Evidence (LOE). The outcomes were objective or self-assessment scoring systems for the function of the hand, wrist, or upper extremity. Results: Seven articles were evaluated. The SEQES scores varied from 19 to 28, with a mean of 23. Five studies reported no association between ulnar variance and clinical outcome, and 2 studies reported an association. The studies reporting no association either excluded or did not mention the cases of unstable distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Conclusions: This systematic review did not demonstrate strong evidence regarding the association between ulnar variance and outcomes after TFCC repair. As most of the studies did not distinguish between capsular and foveal tears which can affect DRUJ stability, further studies looking at this point are necessary to determine whether ulnar shortening osteotomy has an added value for better outcomes after TFCC repair.


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


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seline Y. Vancolen ◽  
Ibrahim Nadeem ◽  
Nolan S. Horner ◽  
Herman Johal ◽  
Bashar Alolabi ◽  
...  

Context: Ankle syndesmotic injuries present a significant challenge for athletes due to prolonged disability and recovery periods. The optimal management of these injuries and rates of return to sport in athletes remains unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate return to sport for athletes after ankle syndesmotic injuries. Data Source: The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched for relevant studies from database inception to January 15, 2017, and pertinent data were abstracted. Study Selection: Only studies reporting return-to-sport rates after ankle syndesmotic injuries were included. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: Two reviewers extracted data from the included studies, which were stored in a standardized collection form (Microsoft Excel). Recorded data included demographics (eg, author, year of publication, study design), descriptive statistics (eg, patient age, percentage male, number of athletes, sample size), and outcomes (eg, time to return to sport, proportion of those who returned to sport, the self-reported questionnaire the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score). Results: A total of 10 studies and 312 patients with ankle syndesmotic injuries were included in this systematic review. The rate of return to preinjury or any injury level of sport after ankle syndesmotic injuries was 93.8% ± 1.2% and 97.6% ± 1.5%, respectively, for the corresponding 7 and 3 studies that reported this characteristic. The mean time to return to sport was 46.4 days (range, 15.4-70 days), with 55.2 ± 15.8 and 41.7 ± 9.8 days for operative and nonoperative management, respectively. Conclusion: This systematic review found a high rate of return to any as well as preinjury level of sport after ankle syndesmotic injury in both operative and nonoperative treatment groups. However, further high-level studies are required to compare operative and nonoperative treatment groups associated with return to sport after ankle syndesmotic injury.


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