Search

There are many techniques that address triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal injuries, which are typically performed with an outside to inside technique. In this article, we describe an inside to outside triangular fibrocartilage complex repair technique that may result in more accurate suture passage and mitigate the risk of fracture from ulna tunnels., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest No benefits in any form have been received from this article., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Diagnosing the cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain can be difficult in the pediatric and adolescent age group. While frequently used, the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance image (MRI), as compared with intraoperative arthroscopic findings, is not well-described in this population. This study aimed to determine concordance rates between magnetic resonance and arthroscopic findings depending on the specific ulnar wrist pathology., Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent operative treatment of ulnar wrist pain between 2004 and 2021. Patients were included in the analysis if they were <18 years of age, complained of ulnar-sided wrist pain, underwent MRI of the affected wrist with an available report interpreted by a consultant radiologist, and had a diagnostic arthroscopy procedure within one year of imaging. Ulnar pathologies analyzed included triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) tears, ulnotriquetral (UT) ligament tears, lunotriquetral ligament abnormalities, and ulnocarpal impaction., Results: A total of 40 patients with a mean age of 15-years-old (range 11 to 17) were included in the analysis. Twenty-four were female, and approximately half had their dominant extremity affected. Most had a history of antecedent trauma (n = 34, 85%), but only 15/40 (38%) had a history of fracture. The mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was six months (standard deviation, 7). The most common etiologies were Palmer 1B TFCC tears (n = 27, 68%) followed by UT split tears (n = 11, 28%). MRI overall demonstrated high specificity (82% to 94%), but low sensitivity (14% to 71%) for ulnar-sided wrist conditions. Accuracy varied between 70% and 83% depending on the specific injury., Conclusion: While MRI is a useful adjunct for determining the cause of ulnar wrist pathologies, findings are often discordant when compared with diagnostic arthroscopy. Surgeons should have a high degree of suspicion for TFCC-related pathology in the setting of positive provocative clinical examination despite negative MRI findings in young patients., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic IIb., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly to this article., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To describe a surgical approach for open repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal avulsion via ulnar styloid osteotomy, and to assess its clinical results., Methods: We reviewed 12 patients with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability due to isolated foveal avulsion of DRUJ ligaments. Wrist arthroscopy was conducted for all patients to exclude the presence of concomitant tear of the superficial part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and to corroborate the diagnosis with a positive hook test. Through an ulnar approach between flexor and extensor carpi ulnaris, an ulnar styloid osteotomy was performed under image intensifier control just ulnar to the fovea of the head of the ulna. The avulsed foveal attachment was anchored through transosseous sutures passing from the fovea to the neck of the ulna. The ulnar styloid was fixed by means of screws or tension band wires. Outcome measures included clinical assessment of pain (visual analog scale), grip strength, DRUJ instability, range of motion of the wrist, and modified Mayo wrist score. Radiographic assessment was done to determine union of the ulnar styloid osteotomy, DRUJ subluxation, and any hardware-related problems., Results: Outcome measures were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 21 months. Healing of the osteotomy was obtained in all cases by 11 weeks. The DRUJ laxity, visual analog scale, and modified Mayo wrist score improved, while grip strength and range of motion remained unchanged. One patient had prominent hardware necessitating removal after union of the osteotomy. There were no reported cases of injury or neuropraxia of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve., Conclusions: Open repair of an avulsed foveal attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using an ulnar styloid osteotomy is an alternative to either open or arthroscopic repair approaches., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Arthroscopic repair is performed for fovea injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) when instability of the distal radioulnar joint results in pain, decreased grip strength, and mechanical symptoms. During TFCC repair, reconstruction of its attachment to the fovea is important. Nonabsorbent suture tapes have gained attention for ligament repair in the trapeziometacarpal joint, scapholunate ligament, and thumb metacarpophalangeal ligament. However, there are no reports of TFCC repair using suture tapes. We evaluated the early postoperative results of this approach., Methods: Participants underwent arthroscopic suture tape repair of foveal TFCC tears and were observed for more than 1 year. All repairs were performed using suture tapes and an outside-in technique with a bone tunnel from the ulnar shaft to the fovea. The postoperative complications, postoperative wrist range of motion, grip strength, and the Modified Mayo Score were evaluated., Results: Arthroscopic repair with a suture tape was performed for 20 hands using the outside-in technique. The ranges of motion for the operated and nonoperated hands were comparable 1 year after surgery (pronation, 84° ± 4°; supination, 83° ± 4°). The mean grip strength improved from 65% ± 13% before surgery to 89% ± 9% after a year. The mean Modified Mayo Score improved from 58 ± 11 before surgery to 91 ± 8 after a year. Postoperative complications included abnormal sensation of the dorsal ulnar side in 2 hands., Conclusions: After using a suture tape to attach the TFCC to the fovea, satisfactory function was achieved in the early postoperative period with grip strength restoration. For the repair of foveal TFCC tears, attachment to the ulnar fovea is important, and repair by a suture tape may be useful., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Recent biomechanical studies have highlighted the importance of foveal reinsertion when repairing triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury with foveal tears. However, clinical studies comparing different repair techniques are scarce. We compared the clinical outcomes of suture anchor repair and rein-type capsular suture in patients with TFCC palmer 1B foveal tears with a minimum of 2-year follow-up., Methods: This was a single-surgeon, single-center, retrospective, comparative study. We included patients who underwent TFCC repair surgery due to a foveal tear from December 2013 to October 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, Modified Mayo Wrist Score, visual analogue scale for pain, wrist range of motion, and grip strength were compared. We also measured the maximal ulnar head displacement with dynamic ultrasound to quantify distal radioulnar joint stability., Results: In total, 103 patients were in the suture anchor group (group A) and 84 patients in the rein-type capsular suture group (group B). The mean follow-up time exceeded three years for both groups. There was a minimal difference regarding QuickDASH score, visual analogue scale for pain, and grip strength ratio between the two groups. The rein-type group had significantly better Modified Mayo Wrist Score. The suture anchor group showed better distal radioulnar joint stability with dynamic ultrasound, but was more limited in ulnar deviation. However, these differences are most likely clinically insignificant., Conclusions: Both suture anchor repair and rein-type capsular suture yielded satisfactory results for TFCC 1B foveal tear in a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The functional scores were similar, and no major complications or recurrent instability were noted in either group., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Retrospective Therapeutic Comparative Investigation IV., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries can cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, which can be evaluated clinically with the DRUJ ballottement test. However, the reliability and validity of the test are unclear. This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of the test using a tracking device on healthy participants and patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, three orthopedic hand surgeons performed the DRUJ ballottement test using a technique of holding the carpal bones to the radius on 25 healthy participants (50 hands; 10 men and 15 women; mean age, 33 years; range, 20-51 years) and eight patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries (16 hands; six men and two women; mean age, 43 years; range, 27-59 years). We used a three-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device to quantify the movement of the DRUJ and verify the reliability and validity of the test., Results: The intrarater and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients for DRUJ movement were 0.77 and 0.61, respectively, and the kappa coefficient for grading of DRUJ instability was 0.79. The correlation coefficient between DRUJ movement measured using the tracking device and instability judged clinically was 0.77. A comparison of healthy participants and the patients showed significantly greater DRUJ movement in the patients., Conclusions: The test showed substantial intrarater and interrater reliability for assessing DRUJ movement and instability. The significant positive correlation between DRUJ movement and instability indicates the concurrent validity of the test. Moreover, the test showed discriminative validity in identifying mild or moderate DRUJ instability., Clinical Relevance: The DRUJ ballottement test using the holding technique has a relatively high diagnostic accuracy and can be used to assess DRUJ instability., (Copyright © 2024 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is composed of dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments (RULs). A common injury pattern of the RUL is the avulsion of the ulnar insertion, which can be treated by arthroscopic or open repair. Although the general method of TFCC reconstruction is a tendon graft with a bone tunnel, detailed information regarding the radial attachment of the RUL is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the morphology of the radial attachments of the palmar radioulnar ligament (PRUL), dorsal radioulnar ligament (DRUL), and short radiolunate ligament (SRL) using three-dimensional imaging., Methods: A total of 29 upper limbs (16 formalin-fixed and 13 embalmed by Thiel's embalming method) of Japanese cadavers were used. After gross observation, we marked the attachments of the PRUL, DRUL, and SRL using 0.7-mm diameter pins. We created three-dimensional images of the radius, outlining the PRUL, DRUL, and SRL attachments. The software application calculated the centers of the PRUL and DRUL attachments., Results: The PRUL attachment was horizontally shaped. The center of the PRUL was 1.5 mm proximal and 5.8 mm radial to the tip of the palmar pyramid formed by the palmar cortex and the radioulnar and radiocarpal joint surfaces. The DRUL attachment was vertically shaped. The center of the DRUL was 2.0 mm proximal and 1.7 mm radial from the tip of the dorsal pyramid formed by the dorsal cortex and the radioulnar and radiocarpal joint surfaces. The length of the SRL was 9.2 mm. The SRL and PRUL were strongly conjoined., Conclusions: The anatomical center on the RUL attachment of the radius can be determined from osseous landmarks., Clinical Relevance: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of RUL attachment to the distal radius and may assist surgeons in performing anatomical reconstruction of TFCC., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are categorized most commonly by the Palmer and the Atzei and Luchetti classifications. Combined tears are reported less frequently, and the classification of these tears is unclear. In this study, we present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears that do not fit into either of these classifications., Methods: Seventeen patients from 2 institutions presented with a combined central and foveal TFCC tear, confirmed by wrist arthroscopy between September 2017 and December 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, associated injuries, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging results, surgeon description of tears, and treatment rendered were evaluated., Results: Patients were predominantly female (76%). Mean age was 40 years with a bimodal age distribution (7/17 patients <35 and 10/17 >45 years). Eleven patients (65%) sustained the injury from a fall. All had some degree of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability on clinical examination and almost half (8/17) had a history of a distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture during the initial injury. The foveal tear was confirmed by direct visual assessment and a positive hook test result; a suction test result commonly was positive as well. All patients underwent debridement of the central tear, and 16 of 17 underwent foveal TFCC repair with 1 having an irreparable tear., Conclusions: We present a series of patients with combined central disc and foveal TFCC tears, a pattern that does not fit current classification schemes. All patients exhibited some degree of instability of the DRUJ and almost half had a history of distal radius or ulnar styloid fracture. Identification of a central tear of the TFCC, together with even subtle DRUJ instability, should lead to consideration of a coexistent foveal tear., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic IV., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: Tears of the proximal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (pc-TFCC) lead to instability in the distal radioulnar joint. The aim of this study was to measure the load-bearing radioulnar distances (RaUls) and to evaluate its diagnostic suitability in patients with pc-TFCC tears., Methods: We retrospectively assessed and compared the lateral wrist radiographs of 61 adult patients with arthroscopically confirmed tears of pc-TFCC with those of a control group of 64 healthy participants. The RaUl was measured on lateral radiographs, and the difference in RaUl (D-value) between load-bearing and nonloading conditions was calculated in the 2 groups. Receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cutoff-score of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value. The diagnostic performance was verified in a validation sample of patients (30 wrists) with pc-TFCC tears and a control group of healthy individuals (30 wrists)., Results: In the training sample, load-bearing RaUls of the affected wrists were higher than the same side of the controls (12.0 mm vs 7.1 mm). The TFCC-injury group showed a significantly higher RaUl D-value than the control group (8.5 mm vs 3.4 mm). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the cutoff value of load-bearing RaUl was 10 mm (sensitivity = 97.6%, specificity = 85.7%) and that of RaUl D-value was 6.5 mm (sensitivity = 90.2%, specificity = 78.5%). The areas under the curve of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value were 0.96 and 0.88, respectively. In the test sample, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of RaUl were 0.93, 0.70, and 0.82 and those of RaUl D-value were 0.77, 0.83, and 0.80 respectively., Conclusions: Load-bearing RaUl measurement is a simple method to diagnose an unstable distal radioulnar joint in patients with TFCC injury. The load bearing RaUl of >10 mm or RaUl D-value of >6.5 mm can be used to differentiate TFCC injuries and showed acceptable accuracy., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic II., (Copyright © 2022 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study examined the influence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) deep fiber tears on wrist proprioception., Methods: The study involved 48 subjects: 24 with deep fiber TFCC tears and 24 with healthy wrists. A specially created sensor measured wrist proprioception in 3 axes of movement. Absolute differences between target and subject-reproduced angles were compared in injured and healthy wrists and in injured and contralateral patient wrists. A greater difference in reproduced angles was deemed to reflect a lesser ability to approximate a target angle., Results: In wrists with TFCC injuries, 40° pronation and 60° pronation showed significantly greater differences between target and subject-reproduced angles compared with those in the control wrists. In wrists with TFCC injuries, 40° pronation demonstrated significantly greater differences between target and subject-reproduced angles than did those in patients' contralateral wrists. Proportions of outliers with absolute differences greater than 6° were significantly higher in 60° supination and 40° pronation in wrists with TFCC injuries., Conclusions: Deep TFCC fiber detachment may lead to decreased wrist proprioception in 60° and 40° forearm rotation., Clinical Relevance: Deep TFCC fiber tear may contribute to decreased wrist rotational positioning sense and may have biomechanical importance in distal radioulnar joint stability., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine whether the arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests are accurate and reliable diagnostic tests for foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) detachment., Methods: Wrist arthroscopy was performed on 10 cadaveric upper extremities. Arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests were performed and videos recorded (baseline). The deep foveal TFCC insertion was then sharply detached. Arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests were repeated. Subsequently, the foveal detachment was repaired via an ulnar tunnel technique and the hook test was repeated for a third time. Videos were independently reviewed at 2 time points by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons and 1 hand surgery fellow in a randomized and blinded fashion. Hook and trampoline tests were graded as positive or negative. Proportions of categorical variables were compared via 2-tailed Fisher exact test. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed via Cohen kappa coefficient., Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the hook test for foveal detachment diagnosis were 90% and 90%, respectively. There was 90% agreement among all 3 observers for the baseline and foveal detachment hook tests. Cohen kappa coefficients for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the hook test were 0.87 and 0.81, respectively. Seventeen percent of trampoline tests were positive at baseline versus 43% after foveal detachment. The trampoline test had 45% agreement between the 3 observers. Cohen kappa coefficients for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the trampoline test were 0.16 and 0.63, respectively. Following ulnar tunnel repair, 20% of hook tests were positive., Conclusions: The hook test is highly sensitive, specific, and reliable for the diagnosis of isolated TFCC foveal detachment. The trampoline test has insufficient reliability to assess foveal detachment. A TFCC foveal repair using an ulnar tunnel technique returns the hook test to baseline., Clinical Relevance: The hook test is a sensitive, specific, and reliable test for the diagnosis of isolated TFCC foveal detachment., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Wrist arthroscopy is generally considered the reference standard in the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries. There is a paucity of data examining the reliability of wrist arthroscopy as a diagnostic modality for TFCC injuries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the diagnosis of TFCC pathology during wrist arthroscopy., Methods: Twenty-five intraoperative digital videos were captured by the senior author during diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy of the wrist joint for known or suspected articular pathology. The senior author (P.K.B.) confirmed TFCC resilience on visual inspection and ballottement (trampoline effect) to make the diagnosis. Two videos were excluded for poor quality and inadequate visualization. Three hand surgeons subsequently reviewed the remaining 23 videos in a blinded fashion at 2 time points separated by 4 weeks. The reviewers determined if the trampoline test was positive and if a TFCC tear was present. Tears were classified using a morphologic classification. Statistical measures of reliability including percentage agreement and κ coefficients were calculated., Results: Agreement between observers for the presence or absence of a tear was 66.7%. The average intraobserver agreement regarding the presence or absence of a tear was 67.4% The kappa value for interobserver agreement was 0.33, whereas the intrarater agreement was 0.88. The 3 reviewers identified an average of 11.3 positive trampoline tests. Agreement between observers for a positive trampoline test was 65.2%. The average percentage of intraobserver agreement regarding a positive trampoline test was 49.3%. In cases where all 3 reviewers agreed on the presence of a TFCC tear, the agreement regarding tear location was 76.6%., Conclusions: Wrist arthroscopy remains instrumental in the treatment of TFCC tears. However, given that inter-rater reliability in the assessment of these tears is probably too low, reconsideration should be given to arthroscopy as the reference standard in the diagnosis of these tears., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic III., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The forearm unit consists of the radius and ulna, a complex and interrelated set of joints (distal radioulnar joint, proximal radioulnar joint) and the soft tissue stabilizers between the 3 bones. Distally, this is represented by the triangular fibrocartilage complex at the wrist, proximally by the annular ligament at the elbow, and in the forearm by the interosseous membrane. Disruptions in any of these structures may lead to forearm instability, with consequences at each of the remaining structures., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This cadaver study investigated the temperature profile in the wrist joint and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during radiofrequency energy (RFE) application for triangular fibrocartilage complex resection., Methods: An arthroscopic partial resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using monopolar and bipolar RFE was simulated in 14 cadaver limbs. The temperature was recorded simultaneously in the DRUJ and at 6 other anatomic locations of the wrist during RFE application., Results: The mean temperature in the DRUJ was 43.3 ± 8.2°C for the bipolar system in the ablation mode (60 W) and 30.4 ± 3.4°C for the monopolar system in the cut mode (20 W) after 30 seconds. The highest measured temperature in the DRUJ was 54.3°C for the bipolar system and 68.1°C for the monopolar system., Conclusions: The application of RFE for debridement or resection of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in a clinical setting can induce peak temperatures that might cause damage to the cartilage of the DRUJ. Bipolar systems produce higher mean temperatures than monopolar devices., Clinical Relevance: RFE application increases the mean temperature in the DRUJ after 30 seconds to a level that may jeopardize cartilage tissue., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the results of arthroscopic peripheral repair (AR) and arthroscopic debridement (AD) for the treatment of chronic unstable triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in ulnar-positive patients undergoing ulnar-shortening osteotomy (USO)., Methods: A total of 31 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatments combined with USO for unstable TFCC tears and were followed-up at a minimum of 24 months were included in this retrospective cohort study. Fifteen patients were treated with AR, and 16 patients were treated with AD while at the same time undergoing a USO. Outcome measures included wrist range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores, and overall outcomes according to the modified Mayo wrist scoring system. In addition, a stress test to assess distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability was performed before and after surgery to compare the 2 cohorts., Results: Both respective cohorts showed significant improvements in grip strength and subjective scores at the final follow-up. Grip strength, DASH, and PRWE scores were better in the AR group than in the AD group. The recovery rate from DRUJ instability observed during the preoperative examination was superior in the AR group., Conclusions: Both AD and AR of the TFCC combined with USO are reliable procedures with satisfactory clinical outcomes for unstable TFCC tears in ulnar-positive patients. However, AR of the TFCC is suggested if DRUJ stability is concomitantly compromised., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess ulnocarpal joint stability after treatment of a peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury with all-inside arthroscopic suture repair (SR), extensor retinaculum capsulorrhaphy with the Herbert sling (HS), and a combination of both (SR+HS)., Methods: Twelve fresh-frozen, age-matched, upper-extremity specimens intact from the distal humerus were prepared. Nondestructive mechanical testing was performed to assess native ulnocarpal joint stability and load-displacement curves were recorded. A peripheral, ulnar-sided TFCC injury was created with arthroscopic assistance, and mechanical testing was performed. Each specimen was treated with SR or HS and testing was repeated. The 6 specimens treated with SR were then treated with HS (SR+HS), and testing was repeated. We used paired Student t tests for statistical analysis within cohorts., Results: For all cohorts, there was an average increase in ulnar translation after the creation of a peripheral TFCC injury and an average decrease after repair. Herbert sling decreased translation by 21%, SR decreased translation by 12%, and SR+HS decreased translation by 26%., Conclusions: Suture repair plus HS and HS reduce ulnar translation the most after a peripheral TFCC injury, followed by SR alone., Clinical Relevance: Ulnocarpal joint stability should be assessed clinically in patients with peripheral TFCC injury, and consideration should be made for using extensor capsulorrhaphy in isolation or as an adjunct to SR as a treatment option., (Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The wafer procedure is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome, which decompresses the ulnocarpal junction through a limited open or arthroscopic approach. In comparison with other common decompressive procedures, the wafer procedure does not require bone healing or internal fixation and also provides excellent exposure of the proximal surface of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Results of the wafer procedure have been good and few complications have been reported., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate functional and subjective outcome parameters after arthroscopic debridement of central articular disc lesions (Palmer type 2C) and to correlate these findings with ulna length., Methods: Fifty patients (15 men; 35 women; mean age, 47 y) with Palmer type 2C lesions underwent arthroscopic debridement. Nine of these patients (3 men; 6 women; mean static ulnar variance, 2.4 mm; SD, 0.5 mm) later underwent ulnar shortening osteotomy because of persistent pain and had a mean follow-up of 36 months. Mean follow-up was 38 months for patients with debridement only (mean static ulnar variance, 0.5 mm; SD, 1.2 mm). Examination parameters included range of motion, grip and pinch strengths, pain (visual analog scale), and functional outcome scores (Modified Mayo Wrist score [MMWS] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH] questionnaire)., Results: Patients who had debridement only reached a DASH questionnaire score of 18 and an MMWS of 89 with significant pain reduction from 7.6 to 2.0 on the visual analog scale. Patients with additional ulnar shortening reached a DASH questionnaire score of 18 and an MMWS of 88, with significant pain reduction from 7.4 to 2.5. Neither surgical treatment compromised grip and pinch strength in comparison with the contralateral side. We identified 1.8 mm or more of positive ulnar variance as an indication for early ulnar shortening in the case of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after arthroscopic debridement., Conclusions: Arthroscopic debridement was a sufficient and reliable treatment option for the majority of patients with Palmer type 2C lesions. Because reliable predictors of the necessity for ulnar shortening are lacking, we recommend arthroscopic debridement as a first-line treatment for all triangular fibrocartilage 2C lesions, and, in the presence of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, ulnar shortening osteotomy after an interval of 6 months. Ulnar shortening proved to be sufficient and safe for these patients. Patients with persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after debridement who had preoperative static positive ulnar variance of 1.8 mm or more may be treated by ulnar shortening earlier in order to spare them prolonged symptoms., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To classify triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal lesions on the basis of computed tomography (CT) arthrography using a radial plane view and to correlate the CT arthrography results with surgical findings. We also tested the interobserver and intra-observer reliability of the radial plane view., Methods: A total of 33 patients with a suspected TFCC foveal tear who had undergone wrist CT arthrography and subsequent surgical exploration were enrolled. We classified the configurations of TFCC foveal lesions into 5 types on the basis of CT arthrography with the radial plane view in which the image slices rotate clockwise centered on the ulnar styloid process. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated for each type of foveal lesion in CT arthrography to detect foveal tears. We determined interobserver and intra-observer agreements using kappa statistics. We also compared accuracies with the radial plane views with those with the coronal plane views., Results: Among the tear types on CT arthrography, type 3, a roundish defect at the fovea, and type 4, a large defect at the overall ulnar insertion, had high specificity and positive predictive value for the detection of foveal tears. Specificity and positive predictive values were 90% and 89% for type 3 and 100% and 100% for type 4, respectively, whereas sensitivity was 35% for type 3 and 22% for type 4. Interobserver and intra-observer agreement was substantial and almost perfect, respectively. The radial plane view identified foveal lesion of each palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligament separately, but accuracy results with the radial plane views were not statistically different from those with the coronal plane views., Conclusions: Computed tomography arthrography with a radial plane view exhibited enhanced specificity and positive predictive value when a type 3 or 4 lesion was identified in the detection of a TFCC foveal tear compared with historical controls., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic II., (Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To examine the effects of dorsal angulation deformities of the distal radius with and without triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) rupture on the 3-dimensional kinematics of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) during simulated active motion., Methods: Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were tested in a forearm simulator that produced active forearm rotation. Dorsal angulation deformities of the distal radius with 10°, 20°, and 30° angulation were created. Changes in the position of the ulna relative to the radius at the DRUJ as a consequence of each dorsal angulation deformity were quantified during simulated active supination in terms of volar, ulnar, and distal displacement of the ulna. Testing was performed initially with the TFCC intact and repeated after complete sectioning of the TFCC at its ulnar insertion., Results: Increasing dorsal angulation deformities of the distal radius significantly increased volar, ulnar, and distal displacement of the ulna when the TFCC was intact. Sectioning of the TFCC significantly increased volar displacement of the ulna in dorsal angulation deformities. As little as 10° of dorsal angulation significantly increased distal displacement of the ulna with the TFCC intact and resulted in a significant increase in volar, ulnar, and distal displacement of the ulna with sectioned TFCC., Conclusions: Dorsal angulation deformities of the distal radius affect the 3-dimensional kinematics of the DRUJ, especially with the TFCC sectioned., Clinical Relevance: The progressive change in DRUJ kinematics with increasing dorsal angulation may partially explain the relationship between the magnitude of dorsal angulation of distal radius fractures and functional outcomes in younger patients. The status of the TFCC should be evaluated carefully, as well as the magnitude of osseous deformity in patients with distal radius fractures and malunions, because changes in DRUJ kinematics caused by dorsal angulation are greater when the TFCC is ruptured., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In isolation, distal ulna fractures are rare. They are often found in conjunction with distal radius fractures, and the complexity of the interaction of the distal ulna with the radioulnar joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex makes understanding and treatment of distal ulna fractures challenging. Fixation of distal ulna fractures can be problematic owing to comminution making reduction challenging. A thin soft tissue can lead to hardware prominence and necessitate implant removal. In this Current Concepts article, we review the anatomy, pathology, and treatment of distal ulna fractures as well as potential complications and salvage procedures., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare the biomechanical strength of a knotless suture anchor repair and the traditional outside-in repair of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in a cadaveric model., Methods: We dissected the distal ulna and TFCC from 6 matched cadaveric wrist pairs and made iatrogenic complete peripheral TFCC tears in each wrist. In 6 wrists, the TFCC tears were repaired using the standard outside-in technique using 2 2-0 polydioxane sutures placed in a vertical mattress fashion. In the other 6 wrists, we repaired the TFCC tears using mini-pushlock suture anchors to the fovea. The strength of the repairs was then determined using a materials testing machine with the load placed across the repair site. We loaded the repairs until a gap of 2 mm formed across the repair site, and then subsequently loaded them to failure. Thus, for each repair we obtained the load at 2-mm gap formation, load to failure, and mode of failure., Results: At the 2-mm gap formation, the suture anchor repairs were statistically stronger than the outside-in repairs. For load to failure, the suture anchor repairs were also statistically stronger than the outside-in repairs. Failure in both techniques occurred most commonly as suture pull-out from the soft tissues., Conclusions: The all-arthroscopic suture anchor TFCC repair was biomechanically stronger than an outside-in repair., Clinical Relevance: The suture anchor technique allows for repair of both the superficial and deep layers of the articular disk directly to bone, restoring the native TFCC anatomy. By being knotless, the suture anchor repair avoids irritation to the surrounding soft tissues by suture knots., (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has established utility in the diagnosis of wrist ligament tears, including complete tears of the ulnotriquetral ligament (UTL) and other components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. A new type of longitudinal split tear of the UTL has recently been described with no imaging correlate. Our aims were to describe putative MRI findings associated with longitudinal UTL split tears and to assess diagnostic accuracy., Methods: We randomly selected 40 patients with arthroscopically proven longitudinal UTL split tears and 20 patients with intact UTLs, all of whom had preoperative 3 T MRI of the same wrist performed, from a list of operative notes spanning from January 1997 through October 2011, filtered with the terms "ulnotriquetral ligament" and "ulnar triquetral ligament." Two musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to surgical results and clinical information independently reviewed the exams. They recorded the degree of certainty of whether a longitudinal UTL split tear was present and whether several other hypothesized associated abnormalities were present., Results: Overall sensitivity for definitive longitudinal UTL split tear detection on MRI was 58% for reader 1 and 30% for reader 2. Specificity was 60% for both. There were no statistically significant discriminatory findings., Conclusions: Among a selected group of patients who all had wrist arthroscopy, preoperative noncontrast 3 T wrist MRI had poor sensitivity and specificity for detection of the longitudinal split type of UTL tear. To date, MRI may be more helpful to exclude potential alternative diagnoses in the patient with ulnar wrist pain., (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To give a detailed clinical outcome analysis of a consecutive series of patients treated arthroscopically for traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal tears., Methods: This study was a consecutive case series of 11 patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted repair for traumatic TFCC foveal lesions. The mean age at the time of surgery was 27 years. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 20-51 mo). All patients underwent arthroscopy-assisted foveal reattachment of the TFCC by means of a transosseous outside-in technique. The primary outcome measure was a self-administered upper limb disability questionnaire (Hand20 questionnaire) at the final follow-up. The Hand20 scores range from 0 to 100, with high scores indicating severe disability. Secondary outcome measures included pain, grip strength, range of motion, distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and the Mayo Modified Wrist Score. We assessed postoperative complications for all patients., Results: The mean preoperative Hand20 score was 29; it decreased significantly to 6 at final follow-up. Pain completely resolved in 7 patients, whereas mild pain during activity persisted in 4 patients. Grip strength improved significantly after surgery, from 84% to 98% of the unaffected side. Nine patients had no DRUJ instability and 2 had mild DRUJ instability at final follow-up. The Mayo Modified Wrist Score at final follow-up was 94 points; results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 3, and fair in 1. Skin irritation at the ulnar neck caused by the suture thread was recognized as a postoperative complication in 3 patients., Conclusions: Transosseous arthroscopic repair for traumatic TFCC foveal tear can restore stability to the DRUJ and provide satisfactory subjective and objective results without serious complications after more than 20 months' follow-up., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV., (Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Previous studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) in the treatment of ulnocarpal abutment syndrome (UCA), but none have used arthroscopic assessments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of USO with patient-based, arthroscopic, and radiographic assessments., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with UCA after a minimum follow-up of 5 years, with arthroscopic evaluations at the time of both USO and plate removal. We confirmed the initial diagnosis of UCA by radiography and arthroscopy. Mean age at the time of index surgery was 37 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 11 years (range, 5-19 y). We obtained Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Hand20 self-assessments postoperatively for all patients. Bony spur formation was evaluated postoperatively from plain radiographs., Results: We detected triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disc tear in 13 wrists arthroscopically at the time of USO. Of these, 10 showed no evidence of TFCC disc tear at second-look arthroscopy. The remaining 17 cases showed no TFCC disc tear at either first- or second-look arthroscopy. Follow-up radiography revealed that bony spurs at the distal radioulnar joint had progressed in 13 wrists. Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores did not significantly correlate with the presence of bony spurs or TFCC disc tears. Range of motion decreased significantly with age only. Lower grip strength correlated with bony spur and lower radial inclination. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, male sex, and advanced age were associated with lower Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand and Hand20 scores., Conclusions: Ulnar shortening osteotomy achieved excellent long-term results in most cases. Most TFCC disc tears identified at the initial surgery had healed by long-term arthroscopic follow-up. We suggest that UCA with a TFCC disc tear is a good indication for USO., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate the dynamic stabilizing effect of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) on the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and the ulnocarpal joint in a simulated model of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury., Methods: Using 8 fresh-frozen cadavers, we fixed the humerus and ulna at 90° of elbow flexion, and the radius and hand were allowed to rotate freely around the ulna. Passive mobility was tested by translating the radiocarpal unit relative to the ulna along dorsal-palmar directions. Unit displacement was measured by an electromagnetic tracking device in different forearm rotations and under varied loading to the wrist motor tendons. Magnitudes of displacement were compared between different loading patterns of the prime wrist movers in the TFCC-sectioned wrists. The effect of sectioning the ECU subsheath was analyzed., Results: When physiological loads were applied to all of the prime wrist movers, the magnitude of displacement during passive mobility testing decreased in supination and neutral rotation. After ECU tendon loading was released, mobility increased again in supination and neutral rotation. When the load was applied only to the ECU tendon, mobility decreased in supination and neutral rotation as compared with unloaded. Little change in the mobility was found in pronation regardless of the tendon loading pattern. After sectioning of the ECU subsheath, the stabilizing effect of the ECU decreased in neutral rotation., Conclusions: In a neutral wrist position with complete sectioning of the TFCC, the ECU dynamically stabilized the DRUJ and the ulnocarpal joint in supination and neutral forearm rotation. The ECU subsheath assisted ECU tendon stabilization on the ulnar side of the wrist, especially in the neutral rotation., Clinical Relevance: Maintaining the ECU and its subsheath may reduce DRUJ instability in patients with TFCC injuries., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

It has become clear that the stability of the scapholunate joint does not depend wholly on the scapholunate interosseous ligament, but rather on both primary and secondary stabilizers, which form a scapholunate ligament complex. Each case of scapholunate instability is unique and should be treated with tissue-specific repairs, which may partly explain why one procedure cannot successfully restore joint stability in every case. Wrist arthroscopy has a pivotal role in both the assessment and treatment of the scapholunate ligament complex derangements. Tears of the foveal attachment of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex can be an underdiagnosed cause of distal radioulnar joint instability, because the foveal fibers cannot be visualized using the standard radiocarpal arthroscopy portals. Distal radioulnar joint arthroscopy allows for direct visualization and assessment of these fibers, which in turn has spawned a number of open and arthroscopic repair methods. Wrist arthroscopy has gained wider acceptance as a method to fine-tune articular reduction during open and percutaneous fixation of distal radius fractures, and simplifies intra-articular osteotomies for malunion. It can facilitate percutaneous bone grafting of scaphoid nonunions and has a role in the diagnosis and treatment of associated soft tissue lesions. These and other recent developments will be discussed in the following article., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term results of a prospective, longitudinal case series of untreated, traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears found in displaced distal radial fractures., Methods: Between 1995 and 1997, 51 patients (24 men, 27 women; age, 20-57 y) with a displaced distal radius fracture had wrist arthroscopy to identify associated injuries. Forty-three patients had complete or partial tears of the TFCC, which were not treated. All patients were contacted in 2010, 13-15 years after the injury. One patient had had a TFCC reattachment due to painful distal radioulnar joint instability and was excluded. Thirty-eight patients returned for a radiographic and clinical follow-up that recorded strength, distal radioulnar joint laxity, range of motion, pain scale score, and subjective and objective outcome scores., Results: After 13-15 years, 17/38 patients were lax in the distal radioulnar joint. The mean grip strength was worse in the patients with a lax distal radioulnar joint (83%, SD 15 of the contralateral side vs 103%, SD 33). The median Gartland and Werley score was 5 (good; range, 0-15) in the lax group compared to 1 (excellent; range, 0-9) in the non-lax group, and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were 14 (range, 0-59) and 5 (range, 0-70) respectively., Conclusions: In this 13-15 year, prospective, longitudinal outcome study of the natural course of TFCC tears associated with distal radius fracture, only 1 patient had been operated on for painful instability since the injury. The subjective and objective results did not provide evidence that a TFCC injury would influence the long-term outcome. However, trends were found and, by speculation, the low number of patients in the series and the risk for a type II error could be the cause of absent statistically significance. Larger, preferably prospective, randomized studies are needed to find out whether a more aggressive treatment is beneficial., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic I., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common cause of upper extremity disability. Presentation can vary from acute traumatic injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Because of its overlapping anatomy, complex differential diagnosis, and varied treatment outcomes, the ulnar side of the wrist has been referred to as the "black box" of the wrist, and its pathology has been compared with low back pain. Common causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain include triangular fibrocartilaginous complex injuries, lunotriquetrial ligament injuries, and ulnar impaction syndrome., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an anatomically and biomechanically important structure. Repair of radial-sided TFCC tear has previously been challenging. We designed a new method of radial-sided TFCC tear repair and found that it was also applicable for ulnar-sided TFCC tear repair. From October 2006 to December 2010, 10 patients underwent this operation and were reviewed: 9 men and 1 woman, with a mean age of 33.9 years. Average postoperative follow-up was 8 months. We graded results according to the Mayo modified wrist score. We rated 2 of the 10 patients (20%) as "excellent," 3 (30%) as "good," and 5 (50%) as "fair." The 5 patients who were rated as "fair" returned to regular jobs or had restricted employment. Based on this small sample, we recommend that this technique be considered an alternative method for TFCC repair., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We describe a variant of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears in which the superficial fibers attaching to the ulnar capsule are torn, with preservation of deep fibers inserting on the fovea. We present the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings and the results of arthroscopic repair in patients with this injury., Methods: Twenty-nine wrists were treated arthroscopically for peripheral TFCC tears with outside-in suture repair of the TFCC to the ulnar capsule. A retrospective review of all cases was performed to assess the physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative findings. Patients were evaluated at greater than 1 year with range of motion, grip strength, standard outcome measures, and a survey assessing return to work and sports., Results: Before surgery, all patients had complaints of ulnar-sided wrist pain with a stable distal radioulnar joint on examination. Twenty-six wrists (90%) were available for follow-up at a mean of 31 months. There was one repeat surgery, a re-tear that required revision TFCC repair. The preoperative visual analog scale and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores improved from 5 and 38 to 1 and 9, respectively, at final follow-up. Side-to-side comparisons demonstrated no measurable loss in motion or grip strength. There were no cases of distal radioulnar joint instability at final follow-up. Of 11 high-level athletes in the total cohort, 7 (64%) were able to return to sports, including all of those in racquet sports; however, athletes who bore weight through their hands were unable to return to their sporting activity., Conclusions: Tears of the TFCC superficial fibers with the deep fibers intact present with ulnar-sided wrist pain but without distal radioulnar joint instability. The results of outside-in repair of the articular disk back to the ulnar capsule demonstrated improvement in pain and function with no measurable objective losses. Return to sport was variable and appeared worse for those who bear weight through the hands., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Peripheral tears to the articular disk of the triangular fibrocartilage complex are fairly common. Patients complain of ulnar-sided wrist pain with ulnar deviation and forearmrotation along the prestyloid recess. The peripheral tears of the articular disk are amenable to arthroscopic repair due to its blood supply. All-arthroscopic knotless repair of peripheral ulnar-sided tears of the articular disk has several advantages. This technique allows for repair of the superficial and deep layers of the articular disk directly down to bone. In addition, by being knotless, it avoids irritation to the surrounding soft tissues by suture knots. This article describes arthroscopic repair of peripheral ulnar-sided tears of the articular disk down to bone with a knotless technique., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: A tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the most frequent soft tissue injury associated with fractures of the distal radius, and repair of the deep ligamentous portion of the TFCC is considered when the tear contributes to instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify predictors of DRUJ instability accompanying unstable distal radius fractures., Methods: Between 2002 and 2007, we prospectively treated 163 consecutive patients with unstable distal radius fractures with the volar locking plating system. Complete radioulnar ligament tears representing DRUJ instability were present in 11 of 163 distal radius fractures. We tested univariate associations between DRUJ instability and potential predictors and conducted multivariate analysis to establish independent predictors of instability. We applied receiver operating characteristics curves within the significant risk factors to determine threshold values., Results: In univariate analyses, only the radial and sagittal translation ratios of the fracture site were significant predictors of DRUJ instability. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the radial translation ratio, which corresponds to a normalized DRUJ gap, was a significant risk factor. According to the receiver operating characteristics curve for the radial translation ratio, the area under the curve was 0.89. A cutoff value of 15% for the radial translation ratio showed the highest diagnostic accuracy rate., Conclusions: A radiographic finding of a normalized DRUJ gap on posteroanterior views was the most important predictor to identify DRUJ instability accompanying unstable distal radius fractures. The relative risk of instability increases by 50% when the ratio of DRUJ widening increases by 1%., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) with its ulnar foveal attachment is the primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The purpose of this study was to describe a technique for measuring the degree of subluxation of the DRUJ in wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations to predict tears involving the foveal attachment of the TFCC., Methods: We measured DRUJ geometry in wrist MRI examinations of 34 patients who were found to have foveal TFCC tears at surgery. We compared the results with DRUJ geometry in 11 asymptomatic controls. Subluxation of the ulnar head was assessed using transaxial MRI images obtained at the level of the DRUJ with the wrist in pronation. We quantified subluxation with a line spanning the sigmoid notch of the radius and a perpendicular line through the center of curvature of the articulating surface of the ulna. We calculated the ratio of the lengths of the dorsal and volar segments and normalized it to the center of the sigmoid notch., Results: A total of 34 patients with intraoperatively confirmed tears of the foveal attachment of the TFCC had a mean dorsal ulnar subluxation measurement of 16% ± 4%, whereas the 11 controls had a mean subluxation measurement of 5% ± 4%., Conclusions: The results confirm the hypothesis that subluxation of the ulnar head relative to the sigmoid notch of the radius, as assessed by MRI with the wrist in pronation, is a predictor of tears of the foveal attachment of the TFCC., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Diagnostic II., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Traumatic and degenerative disc lesions cause ulnar-sided wrist pain. To date, anatomical investigations of cadaver triangular fibrocartilage discs examining the innervation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex have found no evidence of nerve fibers in the healthy disc. In this study, we immunohistologically investigated biopsies from patients with either central traumatic or degenerative disc lesions, to determine the existence of nerve fibers. We hypothesized that an ingrowth of nerve fibers causes ulnar-sided wrist pain associated with traumatic and degenerative disc lesions., Methods: We included 32 patients with a traumatic Palmer 1A lesion and 17 patients with a degenerative Palmer 2C lesion in the study. We obtained a biopsy of each patient and stained the specimen with protein gene product 9.5 for nerve fiber detection., Results: There were no nerve fibers in either traumatic or degenerative disc lesions. In addition, the marginal areas of the biopsies showed no evidence of nerve fibers., Conclusions: Traumatic and degenerative disc lesions show no ingrowth of nerve fibers., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The FasT-Fix device (Smith and Nephew Endoscopy, Andover, MA), initially developed for knee meniscal tears, is described for all-arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repairs. Potential benefits of this technique are ease of use, the lack of prominent suture knots, and strength of repair. This case series evaluates the early clinical outcomes of this technique., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with TFCC Palmer type 1B injuries treated by 1 hand surgeon from 2005 to 2009. The patients' charts were reviewed for postoperative complications, range of motion, grip strength (percentage of contralateral), and return to full activity. In addition, each patient completed Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaires., Results: Twelve patients had all-arthroscopic peripheral (1B) TFCC repairs using the FasT-Fix suture device. The mean follow-up period was 17.5 months (range, 11-27). Mean supination was 78° (± 14°), and mean grip strength was 64% (±16%) of the nonsurgical extremity by 3 months after surgery. All other range of motion was full. The mean QuickDASH score was 11 (±12), and the mean PRWE score was 19 (±14). Average time to full activity was 5 months. There were no surgical complications of the procedure. One patient complained of persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain 12 months after surgery and had an ulnar shortening osteotomy. Arthroscopy at the time of the osteotomy revealed that the TFCC was stable., Conclusions: At mean 1-year follow-up, 11 out of 12 patients achieved excellent subjective outcomes based on QuickDASH and PRWE questionnaires. Although range of motion and grip strength were slightly decreased compared to prior case series reports, the short-term results indicate that the FasT-Fix all-arthroscopic, all-inside technique is a safe and effective technique for repair of Palmer type 1B TFCC tears., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Little attention has been paid to injury mechanisms of foveal avulsion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the mechanism of injury is associated with different anatomic disruptions as well as different preoperative clinical symptoms. We also evaluated the clinical results of an open repair method for foveal avulsion according to the mechanism of injury., Methods: Fifteen patients with a traumatic foveal TFCC avulsion were treated with an open repair technique. The injury mechanism was forced wrist extension in 10 patients (group E) and forced forearm rotation in 5 patients (group R). All patients in group E and 3 in group R showed positive fovea signs. Surgical and clinical findings were compared according to the 2 types of injury mechanism., Results: Foveal insertions of TFCC were found in surgery to be disrupted in all 15 patients. In addition, disruption of the dorsal styloid insertions of the radioulnar ligament showed a significantly greater association with group R than with group E. Clinical results showed significant postoperative improvement but were marginally different between the 2 groups., Conclusions: The most common mechanism of foveal TFCC avulsions is forced wrist extension, an injury that commonly shows positive fovea signs and leaves the dorsal styloid insertion of the radioulnar ligament intact. Forced forearm rotation is the second most common injury mechanism that is more frequently associated with disruption of the dorsal styloid insertion., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Prognostic IV., (Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: One pattern of injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a traumatic peripheral tear located at the ulnar end of the TFCC. Since 1989, this specific injury has been classified as a Palmer type 1B lesion. Various treatment options have been described for 1B injuries, yet when there is coexistent ulnar positive variance, it can make the choice of treatment difficult. The purpose of this article is to help the surgeon decide how to treat type 1B lesions in ulnar positive patients by directly comparing arthroscopic repair (repair) to ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO). The null hypothesis was that repair and USO would provide equivalent postoperative improvement with regard to motion; Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; visual analog scale (VAS) score; and grip strength., Methods: We tested our hypothesis by retrospectively reviewing prospectively collected data from 51 patients treated surgically between 2000 and 2006 with type 1B tears in the setting of ulnar positive variance. Of these 51 patients, 27 were treated with arthroscopic repair and 24 with USO. All patients were evaluated before surgery as well as at final follow-up for active range of motion measurements, grip strength, DASH score, and VAS score. Radiographs were taken of all patients before surgery to confirm the presence of ulnar positive variance, and after surgery in the USO group to evaluate for bony union., Results: At the final follow-up, we found no statistically significant difference between the repair and USO groups with regard to flexion, extension, pronation, supination, radial deviation, or ulnar deviation. Likewise, there was no significant difference in grip strength, DASH scores, or VAS scores. When analyzing each cohort individually, both groups improved significantly after surgery with regard to DASH score, VAS score, and wrist extension. There was also a trend toward improved motion in all other directions except for an insignificant decrease in postoperative pronation in the repair group. Two patients in the USO group required additional surgery, with one revision performed for nonunion and one for painful hardware, which caused extensor carpi ulnaris tendonitis., Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that type 1B TFCC tears in the ulnar positive patient can be managed equivalently well with repair or USO., Type of Study/level of Evidence: Therapeutic III., (Copyright © 2010 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and nonunion of the ulnar styloid are common lesions resulting from upper extremity injuries such as distal radius fractures. Whereas ulnar styloid fractures are a common feature of the distal radius fracture pattern, symptomatic nonunions of the ulnar styloid are found in a minority of these injuries. The purposes of this study were to confirm the association of symptomatic ulnar styloid nonunions and TFCC tears, and to report intra-articular findings and clinical outcomes for the concurrent arthroscopic management of TFCC tears and open excision of ulnar styloid nonunions in a consecutive series of patients., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 8 consecutive patients who underwent open excision of an ipsilateral ulnar styloid nonunion fragment and concurrent diagnostic arthroscopy. The diagnosis of TFCC tear was made by magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively in only 5 of 8 patients. We assessed outcomes with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the visual analog scale., Results: Arthroscopic findings demonstrated full-thickness chondral injury on the dorsum of the triquetrum with a tear of the dorsal radiolunotriquetral ligament and avulsion of the ulnar margin of the TFCC from the extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath. The clinical outcome scores showed statistically significant improvement (p<.05) from the preoperative baseline, with a mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 3.69 (SD, 9.68) and a mean visual analog scale pain score of 1.0 (SD, 0.83) postoperatively., Conclusions: Symptomatic ulnar styloid nonunions can be associated with TFCC tears, and diagnostic arthroscopy should be considered in all patients who are candidates for open excision of an ulnar styloid nonunion. Concurrent arthroscopic TFCC repair and open excision of the ulnar styloid fragment is an effective surgical approach for this combined injury pattern., (Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The Essex-Lopresti lesion, or radioulnar longitudinal dissociation, results from an axial load to the forearm with injury to the radial head and disruption of the interosseous membrane and the distal radioulnar joint. Unfortunately, an appreciation of the true extent of injury is not always realized in the acute setting, and patients present later with persistent or new reports of forearm discomfort and wrist and elbow pain. Reconstruction of the central band of the interosseous membrane with a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft is useful in the chronic setting and is described., (Copyright 2010 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) insertion into the fovea of the distal ulna plays a crucial role in stabilizing the distal radioulnar joint. Consequently, surgical reattachment against avulsion of the foveal TFCC insertion is required to stabilize the distal radioulnar joint. However, because of technical difficulties, no arthroscopic procedure for such a lesion has currently been established. We present a new technique for arthroscopic reattachment of the avulsed TFCC into the fovea. An osseous tunnel 2.9 mm in diameter is created from the ulnar neck to the foveal surface. Under arthroscopic guidance, a nonabsorbable suture passed into a 21-gauge needle is placed into the TFCC through the osseous tunnel. The avulsed portion of the TFCC is anchored to the fovea by means of a repair suture passed through the TFCC. To achieve normal tension of the TFCC, the suture is tied onto the periosteum around the proximal entrance of the osseous tunnel. Our arthroscopic technique is relatively simple and has great advantages for progressive healing at the attachment site between the TFCC and the fovea.

Forearm instability is a complex problem resulting from traumatic disruption of the forearm stabilizers: the radial head, the interosseous membrane, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Dissociation of the forearm unit is often underrecognized and therefore inadequately treated, leading to poor patient outcomes. The goals of this article are to impart an understanding of the forearm anatomy and the current concepts in the diagnosis and treatment options for this complicated problem.