Arthroscopic Transosseous Repair for both Proximal and Distal Components of Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear

Background: Tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can result in instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and ulnar-sided wrist pain. This study evaluates clinical results of arthroscopic transosseous repair for both proximal and distal components of TFCC tear with DRUJ instability.

Materials and methods: Ten patients who underwent both proximal component and distal component of TFCC repair were retrospectively reviewed. The proximal component of TFCC was repaired through arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous suture technique, and the combined distal component tear was repaired to the ulnar capsule using same transosseous tunnel in all cases. Visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength, and postoperative complications were evaluated after a mean followup period of 23.5 months, and each patient was rated according to modified Mayo wrist score and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire.

Results: On arthroscopic findings, the hook test confirmed the proximal component of the TFCC tear and visible capsular detachment from TFCC confirmed combined distal component tear in all patients. At final followup, 7 patients had normal stability of DRUJ and 3 patients showed mild laxity compared with the contralateral side. The mean VAS for pain perception decreased from 4.1 to 0.7, and grip strength was increased significantly. The modified Mayo wrist score and Quick DASH score showed significant functional improvement. No surgery-related complications occurred.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous TFCC foveal repair and simulatneous transosseous capsular repair of distal component can be a safe and effective strategy for repair of complete TFCC tear combined with DRUJ instability.