[Arthroscopic refixation of traumatic 1B-lesions of the TFCC--a retrospective study].

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the postoperative outcome of the arthroscopic sutures of traumatic 1B-lesions of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients who underwent an arthroscopic repair of traumatic 1B-lesions of the TFCC without a dislocation of the ulnar styloid process were included in this study. The average age of the 18 male and 18 female patients was 43.8 (range: 22-70) years. In 16 cases, we operated the left and in 20 cases the right TFCC. On average, the follow-up examination was performed after 7.9 years (range: 3.2-14.3) years. Patients with revision operations or neurovascular pathology were excluded. The Mayo modified wrist score and the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score were used to identify the outcome.

RESULTS

The Mayo modified wrist score was preoperatively 49.74+/-20.99 and postoperatively 82.43+/-15.89 (p<0.001). The DASH score was preoperatively 48.68+/-21.47 and postoperatively 24.1+/-19.81 (p<0.001). Only five patients demonstrated an isolated 1B-lesion of the TFCC and showed, likewise, significant improvements both regarding the DASH score and the Mayo modified wrist score (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference to the patients with further wrist injuries (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study suggest that 1B-lesions of the TFCC can be successfully repaired by arthroscopically assisted suture techniques. An isolated 1B-lesion of the TFCC is rather unusual.