Results of repair of peripheral tears in the triangular fibrocartilage complex using an arthroscopic suture technique

Abstract

We present the results of an arthroscopic suture technique for repairing peripheral tears (Palmer type 1 b) of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The 20 patients included in this study were 15-59 years of age; the most common mechanism of injury was a fall on a hyperextended wrist. After diagnosis of the tear in the TFCC we debrided the synovitis and repaired the tears by an arthroscopic suture technique. At follow up 23-59 months postoperatively, range of movement (sum of flexion-extension) was 90% (range 53%-108%) and grip strength was 83% (range 18%-122%) when compared with the uninjured side. All patients returned to work, though three changed occupations. The arthroscopic suture technique of peripheral TFCC repair produced seven excellent, seven good, four fair, and two poor results (grading based on a Mayo modification of the Green and O'Brien wrist score). As our results are comparable to others, we think that the technique described could be used in the repair of peripheral tears of the TFCC.