Morphology and distribution of nerve endings in the human triangular fibrocartilage complex

Abstract

We studied the morphology and distribution of nerve endings in the human triangular fibrocartilage complex using both silver staining and immunohistochemical staining using a protein specific to nerve fibres. Free nerve endings were found in the ulnar side of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, especially in the ulnar collateral ligament, meniscus homologue and the adjacent collagen fibre area of the peripheral part of the ulnar side of the articular disc. Meissner's and Krause's corpuscles were observed in the ulnar collateral ligament and meniscus homologue. The fact that free nerve endings were observed in the meniscus homologue and adjacent collagen fibre area of the peripheral part of the ulnar side of the articular disc suggests that this disc may be a source of wrist pain. The presence of nerve end bulbs in the triangular fibrocartilage complex also suggests a possible role for corpuscles as mechanoreceptors.