Michael T Edgerton1, Robert C Kollmorgen2. 1. 1 Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, OH, USA. 2. 2 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a known cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Wrist arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of these lesions and is becoming a more frequent method of treatment. Isolated radial-sided tears are uncommon and treatment of these lesions is controversial. There are few reports on repair techniques. Here we report on a novel arthroscopic, all-inside technique for traumatic radial-sided TFCC tears that resulted in full range of motion, significant improvement in pain, and ultimately return to sport. METHODS: This is a single case report describing an all-inside, arthroscopic repair of a radial-sided TFCC tear. The techniques and postoperative protocol are discussed. Clinical outcomes were reported at final follow-up of 3.5 months. RESULTS: At final follow-up, our patient had full wrist range of motion, 95% strength, occasional 1/10 pain, and returned to sport at her previous level of play. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Although just a single case report, our patient had an excellent result based on modified Mayo wrist score. When comparing our result and the previous literature, this technique seems to be a valid method for addressing radial-sided TFCC tears.
BACKGROUND: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a known cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Wrist arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of these lesions and is becoming a more frequent method of treatment. Isolated radial-sided tears are uncommon and treatment of these lesions is controversial. There are few reports on repair techniques. Here we report on a novel arthroscopic, all-inside technique for traumatic radial-sided TFCC tears that resulted in full range of motion, significant improvement in pain, and ultimately return to sport. METHODS: This is a single case report describing an all-inside, arthroscopic repair of a radial-sided TFCC tear. The techniques and postoperative protocol are discussed. Clinical outcomes were reported at final follow-up of 3.5 months. RESULTS: At final follow-up, our patient had full wrist range of motion, 95% strength, occasional 1/10 pain, and returned to sport at her previous level of play. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Although just a single case report, our patient had an excellent result based on modified Mayo wrist score. When comparing our result and the previous literature, this technique seems to be a valid method for addressing radial-sided TFCC tears.