Mid- and Long-Term Outcome After Arthroscopically Assisted Transosseous Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Refixation-Good to Excellent Results in Spite of Some Loss of Stability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint.

PURPOSE: To evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes after arthroscopically-assisted transosseous reattachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and to analyze the association of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability with the clinical outcome. METHODS: Patients treated with an arthroscopically-assisted transosseous reattachment of the deep layer of the TFCC between 2000 and 2009 and a minimum follow-up of 12 months at mid-term and 4 years at long-term follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; pain visual analogue scale (VAS); grip strength and stability of the DRUJ were assessed at 2 follow-up clinical examinations. At the last follow-up, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was additionally recorded. RESULTS: Thirty patients with a mean age of 29 (±13) years were included. Most of the patients were female (70%, n = 21). The mid-term evaluation took place at a median of 30 months (range, 12-83 months). The assessed scores showed statistically significant clinical improvement (MMWS, P < .001; DASH score P < .001; VAS P < .001). Stability assessment showed a stable DRUJ in 23 (76.7%) patients. At a median of 106 months (range 52-215 months), the long-term clinical assessment was performed. The evaluated scores demonstrated persisting significant improvement (MMWS P < .001; DASH score P < .001; VAS P < .001). Stability assessment showed a stable DRUJ in 19 patients (63.3%). DRUJ instability did not correlate with clinical outcome. No permanent surgery-related complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopically-assisted transosseous reattachment of the deep fibers of radioulnar ligaments leads to excellent and good clinical results in mid- and long-term follow-up. In 95.5% of the analyzed patients, the measured improvement in the DASH score exceeded the in literature reported minimal clinically important difference of 13.5. Loss of DRUJ stability during follow-up was not associated with deterioration of clinical parameters and patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

[Partial midcarpal arthrodesis with excision of the scaphoid for the treatment of advanced carpal collapse]. / Die mediokarpale Teilarthrodese mit Entfernung des Skaphoids zur Behandlung des fortgeschrittenen karpalen Kollapses.

OBJECTIVE: To eliminate painful arthrosis between the radius and scaphoid and between the lunate and capitate. Stabilization of the carpus with preservation of useful range of motion between the radius and the lunate. INDICATIONS: Painful arthrosis of radioscaphoid joint due to an old lesion of the scapholunate ligament or a long-standing scaphoid pseudarthrosis with loss of carpal height (advanced carpal collapse, stage II) and eventual additional midcarpal arthrosis (stage III). CONTRAINDICATIONS: More complex Damage of carpal ligaments. Arthrosis of radiolunate joint. Ulnar displacement of the lunate. Rheumatoid arthritis. Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (relative). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Dorsal approach. Excision of scaphoid. Removal of articular cartilage between capitate and lunate and between hamate and triquetrum. Repositioning of capitate in relation to the lunate. Osteosynthesis with several Kirschner wires. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization in a plaster cast for 8 weeks; then, early removal of the wires. RESULTS: From 1993 to 2001, 64 partial midcarpal arthrodeses with excision of the scaphoid were performed in 62 patients. 26 of the patients operated up to 1999 were followed up for 27 months and evaluated with the Cooney Score and the DASH Score. The Cooney Score significantly improved, from 46 points preoperatively to 76 points postoperatively. Postoperative DASH Score was 22. Postoperative range of motion, 64 degrees extension/flexion, had hardly changed compared with the preoperative value. Strength increased from 24 to 34 kg on average. Out of the 55 patients available for follow-up (29 interviewed by telephone) 35 were completely satisfied, 13 satisfied with reservations, and seven dissatisfied. 24 patients had no activity-related pain. Different degrees of activity related pain were reported by 28 patients, and pain during minor activities or at rest was reported by three patients.