Arthroscopic repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), functional outcome was determined after arthroscopic repair of 22 wrists in 21 patients. Average follow-up was 36 months (range, 26 to 48 months) and the patients' average age was 30 years (range, 22 to 38 years). All patients had wrist pain limiting them from work or any sports. Twelve of the 14 patients with positive arthrograms had an avulsion of the TFCC from the sigmoid notch (Palmer type 1D tears). Of the 6 patients with negative arthrograms, 5 had peripheral tears (Palmer type 1B). Five patients had associated lunotriquetral ligament repairs and 7 had ulna shortening osteotomies. There was a significant relief of pain and increase in work and sports activities (P < .01). Postoperative range of motion averaged 86% +/- 9% of the contralateral side and grip strength averaged 82% +/- 20% of the contralateral side. There was a significant correlation between the delay from injury to surgical repair and the final total range of motion and grip strength. Follow-up studies in 15 patients found that the repairs were intact in 12. Arthroscopic repair results in significant relief of pain and an increase in the ability to perform at work or sports.