Early functional outcomes following open reconstruction of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

Review written by Dr Ian Gatt info

Key Points

  1. This study demonstrated that open surgical repair of TFCC injuries, specifically Palmer 1b lesions, is an effective technique for restoring wrist stability and function in patients who do not respond to conservative treatment.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a crucial structure for maintaining wrist stability and function. Injuries to the TFCC are a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, significantly impacting hand functionality and quality of life (1). TFCC injuries are frequently associated with distal radius fractures, with research indicating that up to 78% of such cases involve TFCC damage (2–4). For patients unresponsive to conservative treatment, surgical intervention is often required. Both arthroscopic and open-surgical techniques are employed, although the optimal approach remains a subject of debate (5–7).

Therefore, this study evaluated the outcomes of open surgical repair for traumatic TFCC injuries, specifically Palmer Type 1b lesions, with a focus on functional recovery assessed between six and 18 months postoperatively.

Injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex are a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and distal radioulnar joint instability, significantly impacting hand functionality and quality of life.
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Open surgical repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries resulted in significant improvements in grip strength, range of motion, and functional outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included 17 consecutive patients (10 females, seven men) who underwent open surgical repair of TFCC injuries (Palmer 1b lesions) at the Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery in Trzebnica between 2022 to 2023. Female patients had

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