Open and Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Repair

Arthroscopic-Assisted Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a common cause of ulnar-side wrist pain and may progress to persistent pain, instability of the distal radioulnar joint, and arthritis if left untreated. Diagnosis and management of these injuries requires a nuanced understanding of features pertinent to the clinical presentation, imaging, and arthroscopic findings for accurate management. Arthroscopic-assisted repair techniques have revolutionized surgical management, providing detailed visualization and facilitating the repair of TFCC injuries and associated pathologies with minimally invasive techniques. In this review, we discuss the anatomy of the TFCC, history and examination of ulnar-sided pathology, imaging findings, and classification schemes and review surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC injuries. We also touch on pearls and pitfalls of the techniques, complications, and results of treatment.

Comparing the Outcomes of Suture Anchor Repair and Rein-Type Capsular Suture for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tears With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

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.

Combined repair of scapholunate ligament (SL) and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions in chronic trauma of the wrist: surgical treatment of 14 patients

PURPOSE

Injuries of the scapholunate ligament (SL) and of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) represent the main ligament injuries of the traumatic wrist. A double injury of the SL and TFCC ligaments is quite common in the trauma setting, and clinical examination is fundamental. MRI allows to detection of a TFCC and SL ligament injury, but wrist arthroscopy is still the gold standard for diagnosis. We present the clinical results of the combined reconstruction of chronic scapholunate ligament and TFCC injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients were treated at our hospital with a combined scapholunate ligament and TFCC complex repair. All patients were surgically treated by the same senior author, after a diagnostic arthroscopy that revealed a lesion of both structures. A comparison between the pre-operative and post-operative pain and function was carried out using VAS, Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH) and Patient-Related Wrist/Hand Evaluation score (PRWHE). Wrist range of motion and strength were also compared following surgery.

RESULTS

All patients had a mean follow-up of 54 months. A statistically significant improvement was observed both with the reduction in pain (VAS from 8.9 to 5) and with the improvement of functionality scores (DASH from 63 to 40 and PRWHE from 70 to 57) and with the increase in ROM and strength. In only one patient (7%), because of pain and instability, a supplement operation was needed (Sauve-Kapandji procedure) 3 months after the initial surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous repair of the SL and TFCC complex has shown a good success rate in both decreasing pain and regaining functionality.

What is the place of wrist arthroscopy in surgical residents' training? Wrist Arthroscopy in Residents Survey (WARS)

INTRODUCTION

Wrist arthroscopy has become an essential method in the management of patients suffering from wrist pathologies. This technique must be mastered by residents wishing to specialize in upper limb surgery. However, no study has evaluated residents' access to wrist arthroscopy.

HYPOTHESIS

Residents have difficulty accessing wrist arthroscopy surgery during their training.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We sent out an online questionnaire to all orthopedic and plastic surgery referents in France. Data were collected over a 6-month period from December 2020 to May 2021. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Regarding the 98 responses obtained, we observed that 77.54% of residents have seen between 0 and 10 wrist arthroscopies and 35.71% have never seen a wrist arthroscopy. In addition, only 23.80% of residents have had access to training on cadavers, and 57.14% of residents were trained in private facilities.

DISCUSSION

Access to the operating room remains difficult for residents in upper limb surgery. Our results suggest that wrist arthroscopy training could be improved. New training methods could be adapted for wrist arthroscopy and to overcome the lack of access to wrist arthroscopy for residents.

LEVEL OF INCIDENCE

IV.