Functional results post-triangular fibrocartilage complex reconstruction with extensor carpi ulnaris with or without ulnar shortening in chronic distal radioulnar joint instability.

From September 1996 to September 2001, 37 adult patients were diagnosed with chronic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability in our clinic. They had all received the procedure of TFCC reconstruction with partial extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) combined with or without ulnar shortening. There were 36 males and one female in the study with a mean age of 22.4 years. The follow-up period ranged from 25 to 48 months with a mean of 36.2 months. All patients received the rehabilitation programme and were re-examined at our outpatient department. The results were graded according to the Mayo Modified Wrist Score. Eleven of the 37 patients rated their wrists "excellent", 22 rated "good", and four rated "fair". Overall, a total of 33 patients (89%) rated satisfactorily and returned to work or sport activities. Therefore, TFCC reconstruction with partial ECU tendon combined with or without ulnar shortening procedure is an effective method for post-traumatic chronic TFCC tears with DRUJ instability suggested by this study.