Editorial Commentary: Ulnar Variance Is Not the Sole Determinant of Arthroscopic Wrist Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair Outcome: Considering the Forest From the Ulnar-Positive Tree

Abstract

When choosing the best treatment option for patients with tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, there are multiple patient factors that should be carefully considered. The role of ulnar variance is often overemphasized when attempting to predict the success of arthroscopic repair. In practice, variables such as the age of the patient and location and nature of the tear as traumatic or degenerative should primarily drive the decision between arthroscopic repair and primary ulnar-shortening osteotomy. Arthroscopic repair should generally be avoided in favor of ulnar-shortening osteotomy in patients with degenerative tears and evidence of ulnar impaction syndrome. However, for acute, traumatic, ulnar-sided tears in young patients, arthroscopic repair remains an effective treatment option regardless of ulnar variance.