Disability and function after arthroscopic repair of ulnar avulsions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist.


Published online: Jun 27 2005

Ilse DEGREEF, Hans WELTERS, Paul MILANTS, Hilde VAN RANSBEECK, Luc DE SMET

From U.Z. Pellenberg, Pellenberg, Belgium

Abstract

Ulnar wrist pain due to a lesion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is frequent. Based on studies of the vascularity, (traumatic) ulnar avulsions can be sutured. Arthroscopic techniques have been designed but results are scarcely published. This is a follow-up study of 52 patients with an ulnar avulsion of the TFCC. All patients were treated with an arthroscopic technique. Evaluation was directed to the subjective outcome, functionality ( using the DASH score) and objective parameters. The mean DASH score was 17.3. Pain was absent or minimal in 47 patients. The grip force was 80% of the contralateral side. Based on these findings, arthroscopic repair of the TFCC appears to be a reliable technique.

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