Arthroscopic dual-bone tunnel repair for palmer type IB injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

BACKGROUND

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries, especially Palmer type IB, pose surgical management challenges due to associated distal radial ulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Traditional surgeries entail risks of complications. Arthroscopic repair presents advantages but lacks consensus on optimal techniques. To evaluate arthroscopic dual-bone tunnel repair in patients with Palmer type IB TFCC injuries of the wrist.

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, grip strength ratio, joint range of motion, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Mayo wrist score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were assessed before and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 45 patients. At 12 months, the grip strength ratio improved from 0.71 ± 0.08 to 0.93 ± 0.05 (P < 0.001), and wrist joint rotation increased from 126.78 ± 13.28° to 145.76 ± 8.52° (P < 0.001). VAS (1.60 ± 0.58 vs. 6.33 ± 0.91, P < 0.001), DASH (12.96 ± 3.18 vs. 46.87 ± 6.62, P < 0.001), and modified Mayo wrist (88.11 ± 4.43 vs. 63.78 ± 7.99, P < 0.001) scores all improved after surgery. The overall complication rate was 4.44%.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic dual-bone tunnel repair appears to be an effective intervention for alleviating wrist pain, restoring stability, and enhancing joint function in patients with TFCC Palmer type IB injuries.