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.

Peripheral tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic performance of the primary and secondary signs.

OBJECTIVE: This study is to assess the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for type 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear of the wrist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled 78 patients to examine the diagnostic performance of preoperative MRI examinations in patients with type 1B TFCC tears. Thirty-nine participants had confirmed type 1B TFCC tear. The control group included 39 patients who were randomly selected from 1157 patients who underwent MRI for wrist pain. Both groups underwent a review of 19 MRI findings by two independent radiologists, and the correlation between each diagnostic finding and type 1B TFCC tear was assessed using the chi-squared test. The 19 MRI findings comprised eight primary signs of abnormalities in the distal or proximal lamina, in conjunction with 11 secondary signs suggestive of abnormalities in the surrounding structures. RESULTS: The TFCC tear group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of two primary MRI signs, i.e., fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina, as observed by both readers (R1, 74.4% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.003, and 87.2% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001; R2, 74.4% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.001, and 87.2% vs. 53.8%, p < 0.003, respectively). Reader 2 identified a higher prevalence of two additional primary MRI signs: fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the proximal lamina (all p < 0.05). None of the 11 secondary MRI signs demonstrated statistically significant associations with type 1B TFCC. CONCLUSION: MRI manifestations of fiber discontinuity and signal alteration in the distal lamina may provide predictive markers for type 1B TFCC wrist tear.

Reliability of Wrist Arthroscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

PURPOSE: Wrist arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of intra-articular wrist conditions including triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears; however, the ability to reliably diagnose TFCC pathology during wrist arthroscopy is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of the diagnosis of TFCC tears on wrist arthroscopy videos. METHODS: Five hand surgeons reviewed 43 cases on a secure web-based platform at two time points separated by 4-6 weeks. Each case included a deidentified clinical vignette and wrist radiographs with ulnar variance measurements and an arthroscopy video of ulnar wrist pathology, averaging 42 seconds. Surgeons were queried on the presence of TFCC tear and Palmer and Atzei classifications. Interobserver/intraobserver reliabilities were determined using kappa coefficients. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability regarding the presence/absence of TFCC tear was fair-good, with kappa coefficients of 0.596 in the first round of case review and 0.708 in the second round. The overall intraobserver reliability for the presence/absence of TFCC tear was also fair-good, with a kappa coefficient of 0.567. For cases with central TFCC tears, the interobserver reliability regarding the presence of TFCC tear was perfect, with a kappa coefficient of 1.0. When central tears were excluded, the kappa coefficients decreased to 0.322 and 0.368 in each round. The interobserver reliability for the Palmer and Atzei classifications was low, with kappa coefficients of 0.220 and 0.121 in the first round and 0.222 and 0.123 in the second round. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced wrist arthroscopy surgeons demonstrated fair-good interobserver reliability for the diagnosis of TFCC tear on wrist arthroscopy. However, when central TFCC tears were excluded, interobserver reliability was poor. These findings demonstrate a need for a focus on education for wrist arthroscopy anatomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This investigation demonstrated poor agreement in surgeon identification and classification of TFCC tears, aside from central TFCC tears. The low reliability has a direct bearing on treatment considerations for TFCC tears.

Reliability and Validity Analysis of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Ballottement Test.

PURPOSE: Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries can cause distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, which can be evaluated clinically with the DRUJ ballottement test. However, the reliability and validity of the test are unclear. This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of the test using a tracking device on healthy participants and patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, three orthopedic hand surgeons performed the DRUJ ballottement test using a technique of holding the carpal bones to the radius on 25 healthy participants (50 hands; 10 men and 15 women; mean age, 33 years; range, 20-51 years) and eight patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries (16 hands; six men and two women; mean age, 43 years; range, 27-59 years). We used a three-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device to quantify the movement of the DRUJ and verify the reliability and validity of the test. RESULTS: The intrarater and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients for DRUJ movement were 0.77 and 0.61, respectively, and the kappa coefficient for grading of DRUJ instability was 0.79. The correlation coefficient between DRUJ movement measured using the tracking device and instability judged clinically was 0.77. A comparison of healthy participants and the patients showed significantly greater DRUJ movement in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The test showed substantial intrarater and interrater reliability for assessing DRUJ movement and instability. The significant positive correlation between DRUJ movement and instability indicates the concurrent validity of the test. Moreover, the test showed discriminative validity in identifying mild or moderate DRUJ instability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The DRUJ ballottement test using the holding technique has a relatively high diagnostic accuracy and can be used to assess DRUJ instability.

Biomechanical Analysis of Transosseous Repair Versus Combined Transosseous With Capsular Repair for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears With Instability.

PURPOSE: This study compared the biomechanical stability of transosseous repair and transosseous combined with capsular repair techniques to reattach the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) for distal radioulnar joint instability. METHODS: Eight adult cadaveric upper-extremity specimens were studied. Each underwent peripheral ulnar-sided detachment of the deep and superficial TFCC fibers and repair. Four groups were prepared sequentially: intact TFCC, disrupted TFCC, transosseous repair, and combined transosseous with capsular repair. Forearm rotational torque was measured in three wrist positions: 60° flexion, neutral position, and 60° extension. Maximum dorsal and palmar ulnar translations in response to a 20-N traction load were measured at nine wrist positions after stabilizing the humerus and radius. Measurements were taken before and after TFCC disruption and following repair. RESULTS: Clear instability of the radius relative to the ulna was observed after sectioning the deep and superficial fibers of the TFCC, and stability was markedly improved after reconstruction in all positions. Compared with the normal group, rotational torque was similar between the two repair methods. In the pronation palmar flexion and supination dorsal extension positions, dorsal-palmar translation was smaller in the combined transosseous with capsular repair group than in the transosseous repair-alone group. CONCLUSIONS: Triangular fibrocartilage complex deep fibers are the primary stabilizing structure of the distal radioulnar joint. In this cadaveric study, the combined transosseous with capsular repair technique demonstrated less dorsal-palmar translation compared with the transosseous-alone repair technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined transosseous with capsular repair is expected to provide improved postoperative stability for patients with peripheral TFCC tears and distal radioulnar joint instability.

Ligamentoplasty using the ulnotriquetral ligament with wafer procedure for chronic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tear: Short-tem outcome.

BACKGROUND: We developed a new ligamentoplasty technique using the ulnotriquetral ligament (UTL) via a palmar approach for cases with dorsal instability of the ulna due to a foveal tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of this procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 19 cases with foveal tears of TFCC who underwent the ligamentoplasty using UTL. We harvested the UTL from the triquetrum as a pedicle graft, avoiding damage of the connection between the base of the UTL and palmar radioulnar ligament (PRUL) as possible. The graft was flipped proximally and pulled out through the bone tunnel from the ulnar fovea to the ulnar neck, then fixed to the fovea using a tenodesis screw. The function of the TFCC can be reproduced by pulling out the UTL along with the PRUL through the ulnar fovea and re-establishing the PRUL tension. Clinical results were evaluated at least 12 months following surgery. The preoperative and postoperative wrist pain level on a neumerical rating scale (NRS), the radioulnar joint (DRUJ) ballottement test, the range of motion, the grip strength, and the Patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores were evaluated. RESULTS: In all cases, the DRUJ ballottement test became negative at the final follow up compared with the normal side on manual examination. The pain levels significantly decreased as reflected by a decrease in NRS from 6.8 to 2.5 at final follow up (p < 0.01). The range of pronation/supination motion was improved from 149° to 157°. The mean PRWE score significantly decreased from 52.1 to 22.8 (p < 0.01). The postoperative pain level on the NRS scale of the three patients poorly improved. One case of the three with the 3 mm positive ulnar variance needed additional ulnar shaft shortening using a plate seven months after the primary procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The ligamentoplasty using UTL efficiently restored the ulnar palmar stability in all 19 cases and significantly decreased the wrist pain and the PRWE scores. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical, retrospective study.

Interdisciplinary consensus statements on imaging of DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this agreement was to establish evidence-based consensus statements on imaging of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries by an expert group using the Delphi technique. METHODS: Nineteen hand surgeons developed a preliminary list of questions on DRUJ instability and TFCC injuries. Radiologists created statements based on the literature and the authors' clinical experience. Questions and statements were revised during three iterative Delphi rounds. Delphi panelists consisted of twenty-seven musculoskeletal radiologists. The panelists scored their degree of agreement to each statement on an 11-item numeric scale. Scores of "0," "5," and "10" reflected complete disagreement, indeterminate agreement, and complete agreement, respectively. Group consensus was defined as a score of "8" or higher for 80% or more of the panelists. RESULTS: Three of fourteen statements achieved group consensus in the first Delphi round and ten statements achieved group consensus in the second Delphi round. The third and final Delphi round was limited to the one question that did not achieve group consensus in the previous rounds. CONCLUSIONS: Delphi-based agreements suggest that CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most useful and accurate imaging technique for the work-up of DRUJ instability. MRI is the most valuable technique in the diagnosis of TFCC lesions. The main indication for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are Palmer 1B foveal lesions of the TFCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MRI is the method of choice for assessing TFCC lesions, with higher accuracy for central than peripheral abnormalities. The main indication for MR arthrography is the evaluation of TFCC foveal insertion lesions and peripheral non-Palmer injuries. KEY POINTS: • Conventional radiography should be the initial imaging technique in the assessment of DRUJ instability. CT with static axial slices in neutral rotation, pronation, and supination is the most accurate method for evaluating DRUJ instability. • MRI is the most useful technique in diagnosing soft-tissue injuries causing DRUJ instability, especially TFCC lesions. • The main indications for MR arthrography and CT arthrography are foveal lesions of the TFCC.

Ulnar positive variance associated with TFCC foveal tear.

OBJECTIVE: The ulnar positive variance (UPV) can be observed on simple radiography due to a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal tear. This study investigated to identify how much radiographic UPV occurs due to a TFCC foveal tear, which may be misdiagnosed as an ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty patients who underwent arthroscopic transosseus TFCC foveal repair from March 2013 to March 2019 in our institution were enrolled in this study. Ulnar variances were measured in preoperative, postoperative 6 weeks, 1-year follow-up wrist posteroanterior (PA) radiograph, and power grip PA radiograph of the affected wrist and were compared with those of the same patient's unaffected wrist. RESULTS: In the neutral wrist PA radiograph, ulnar variance increased by 0.56 mm (p < 0.001) after TFCC foveal tear compared to the unaffected side. In the power grip view, ulnar variance also increased by 0.39 mm (p < 0.001) in the affected wrist. The preoperative ulnar positive variance was reduced after an arthroscopic transosseous TFCC foveal repair from 0.56 to 0 mm (p < 0.001). No significant statistical difference was observed between an Atzei class 2 and 3 TFCC tear (0.56 mm vs. 0.41 mm, p = 0.263). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that TFCC foveal tear induces 0.56 mm of radiologic UPV, which was successfully corrected after arthroscopic transosseous TFCC foveal repair. Therefore, UPV associated with TFCC foveal tear should not be misdiagnosed as an UIS. Also, when ulnar shortening osteotomy is planned in case of UIS combined with TFCC foveal tear, the amount of UPV induced by TFCC foveal tear should be considered to prevent over-shortening.

Morphology of the Radial Attachment of the Radioulnar Ligament and Surrounding Landmarks.

PURPOSE: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is composed of dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments (RULs). A common injury pattern of the RUL is the avulsion of the ulnar insertion, which can be treated by arthroscopic or open repair. Although the general method of TFCC reconstruction is a tendon graft with a bone tunnel, detailed information regarding the radial attachment of the RUL is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the morphology of the radial attachments of the palmar radioulnar ligament (PRUL), dorsal radioulnar ligament (DRUL), and short radiolunate ligament (SRL) using three-dimensional imaging. METHODS: A total of 29 upper limbs (16 formalin-fixed and 13 embalmed by Thiel's embalming method) of Japanese cadavers were used. After gross observation, we marked the attachments of the PRUL, DRUL, and SRL using 0.7-mm diameter pins. We created three-dimensional images of the radius, outlining the PRUL, DRUL, and SRL attachments. The software application calculated the centers of the PRUL and DRUL attachments. RESULTS: The PRUL attachment was horizontally shaped. The center of the PRUL was 1.5 mm proximal and 5.8 mm radial to the tip of the palmar pyramid formed by the palmar cortex and the radioulnar and radiocarpal joint surfaces. The DRUL attachment was vertically shaped. The center of the DRUL was 2.0 mm proximal and 1.7 mm radial from the tip of the dorsal pyramid formed by the dorsal cortex and the radioulnar and radiocarpal joint surfaces. The length of the SRL was 9.2 mm. The SRL and PRUL were strongly conjoined. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical center on the RUL attachment of the radius can be determined from osseous landmarks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of RUL attachment to the distal radius and may assist surgeons in performing anatomical reconstruction of TFCC.

Observational study of ropivacaine and compound betamethasone mixture for analgesia after triangular fibrocartilage complex repair under wrist arthroscopy: A single-center randomized double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of an intra-articular and local infiltration injection of a compound analgesic mixture of ropivacaine and compound betamethasone on the repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex under wrist arthroscopy. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, randomized study involved 20 patients with Atzei type 2 or 3 injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex who underwent repair under wrist arthroscopy. Patients were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the systematic random sampling method. The test group was injected with a "cocktail" mixture for pain relief. The control group was injected with normal saline. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pinch force, wrist joint mobility, wrist joint function score (PRWE score), occurrence of adverse reactions and dosage of analgesic drugs were evaluated before and after the operation in the two groups. RESULTS: The resting pain of the patients in the test group was less severe than that of the control group at 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after the operation (P < 0.05), and the pinch force of the patients in the test group was significantly greater than that of the control group at 1 d, 2 d and 3 d after the operation (P < 0.01). The amount of postoperative analgesics used in the test group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), and the patient satisfaction rate in the test group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no postoperative adverse effects in either group. CONCLUSION: An intra-articular and local infiltration injection of a "cocktail" analgesic mixture in the repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex under wrist arthroscopy can provide good pain control in the early postoperative period and reduce the amount of postoperative analgesic drugs administered, thus improving clinical safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II; Randomized Controlled Trial; Treatment Study.

Distal radius fracture with concomitant ulnar styloid fracture: does distal radioulnar joint stability depend on the location of the ulnar styloid fracture?

INTRODUCTION: Studies are conflicting regarding the relationship between ulnar styloid fracture (USF) location and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability in patients with distal radius fracture (DRF) and concomitant USF. The objective of this study was to determine the association of USF location with TFCC foveal tear and factors associated with DRUJ instability in patients with both DRF and USF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with both DRF and USF who had wrist MRI examination before surgery were analyzed. USF location (tip or base) and TFCC foveal insertion status (intact, partial tear, or complete tear or avulsion with fractured fragment) were evaluated. DRUJ stability was assessed intra-operatively after fixation of the radius. Factors potentially associated with DRUJ instability, such as age, gender, USF location, USF fragment gap, radioulnar distance, radial shortening, and TFCC foveal tear, were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 54 patients, 37 (69%) and 17 (31%) had USF at the base and the tip, respectively. In patients with base fractures, TFCC foveal insertion was found to be disrupted in 89% (33/37) patients (complete tear in 11 and partial tear in 22) but intact in 11% (4/37). On the contrary, in patients with tip fractures, the insertion was found to be disrupted in 88% (15/17) patients (complete tear in 2 and partial tear in 13) but intact in 12% (2/17). After fixation of the radius, total 52% (28/54) patients showed DRUJ instability. Especially, DRUJ instability was found in 57% (21/37) of ulna styloid process base fracture patients and 41% (7/17) of ulna styloid process tip fracture patients. In univariate analysis, complete tear of TFCC foveal insertion and wider USF fragment distance were associated with DRUJ instability. CONCLUSIONS: Tears of TFCC foveal insertion are common in patients with DRF and concomitant ulnar styloid base fractures. Based on the findings of this study, tear of TFCC foveal insertion seems to be also common in patients with DRF and concomitant ulnar styloid tip fractures. And also, DRUJ instability seems to be associated with a TFCC foveal tear independent of USF location.

Visualization of wrist ligaments with 3D and 2D magnetic resonance imaging at 3 Tesla.

BACKGROUND: Wrist ligaments are challenging to visualize using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Injuries involving the scapholunate ligament (SLL), the lunotriquetral ligament (LTL), and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are common and difficult to diagnose, often requiring diagnostic arthroscopy. PURPOSE: To compare the visualization of wrist ligaments on a three-dimensional (3D) sequence with two-dimensional (2D) sequences on 3-T MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen healthy volunteers were examined with a 3D SPACE (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution) sequence and 2D coronal, axial, and sagittal proton density-weighted (PD) sequences. Four musculoskeletal radiologists graded the anatomical visibility of the SLL, LTL, TFCC, and the image quality, using five grades in a visual grading characteristics (VGC) evaluation. After Bonferroni correction, a P value ≤0.005 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The 3D images were graded significantly better than the 2D images in the visualization of the dorsal and palmar parts of the SLL and the LTL. Regarding the TFCC, the 3D images were graded significantly better for visualization of the foveal attachment. 2D imaging was not found significantly superior to 3D imaging in any aspect. CONCLUSION: The 3D SPACE sequence was scored as superior to the 2D sequences at 3 T in the assessment of the SLL, the LTL, and the foveal attachment of the TFCC. Thus, 3D SPACE can replace 2D PD sequences when these ligaments need to be assessed.

Arthroscopic foveal repair with suture anchors for traumatic tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

BACKGROUND: Foveal tears of the traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are the most commonly neglected high-energy injuries of the wrist joint, and the patients with such tears often experience unrecovered ulnar-sided wrist pain and poor wrist function. This study investigated the functional outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of foveal TFCC tears with suture anchors and adjuvant platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections after the surgery. METHODS: From September 2014 to August 2018, 156 men and 45 women with diagnoses of foveal TFCC tears without wrist fractures underwent arthroscopic repair by using the outside-in method with 1.3-mm suture anchors and subsequent PRP injection. After surgery, splinting was applied for 6 weeks, and the patients underwent rehabilitation, re-examination, and follow-up at our clinic. The patients' wrist functional scores and grip strength data were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 32.6 months, and the mean age was 26.7 years. The mean modified Mayo wrist score improved from 48.5 ± 2.6 to 82.4 ± 2.5, whereas the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score decreased from 39.2 ± 6.7 to 10.6 ± 7.5. Overall, the wrist functions of 186 (92.5%) of the patients were satisfactory according to their modified Mayo wrist scores, and the patients with satisfactory scores returned to sports or work activities. These patients retained normal ranges of motion, and their average grip strength in the affected hand was restored to at least 85% of that of the other hand. CONCLUSIONS: According to the postoperative 25-36 months surgical results of our study, arthroscopic repair with adjuvant PRP injections is a satisfactory method of repairing early foveal tears of the TFCC and can enhance wrist function by relieving pain and increasing tolerance for work or sports.

Evaluation of prestyloid recess morphology and ulnar-sided contrast leakage in CT arthrography of the wrist.

BACKGROUND: In wrist arthrograms, aberrant contrast material is frequently seen extending into the soft tissue adjacent to the ulnar styloid process. Since the prestyloid recess can mimic contrast leakage in CT arthrography, this study aims to provide a detailed analysis of its morphologic variability, while investigating whether actual ulnar-sided leakage is associated with injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). METHODS: Eighty-six patients with positive wrist trauma history underwent multi-compartment CT arthrography (40 women, median age 44.5 years). Studies were reviewed by two board-certified radiologists, who documented the morphology of the prestyloid recess regarding size, opening type, shape and position, as well as the presence or absence of ulnar-sided contrast leakage. Correlations between leakage and the presence of TFCC injuries were assessed using the mean square contingency coefficient (rɸ). RESULTS: The most common configuration of the prestyloid recess included a narrow opening (73.26%; width 2.26 ± 1.43 mm), saccular shape (66.28%), and palmar position compared to the styloid process (55.81%). Its mean length and anterior-posterior diameter were 6.89 ± 2.36 and 5.05 ± 1.97 mm, respectively. Ulnar-sided contrast leakage was reported in 29 patients (33.72%) with a mean extent of 12.30 ± 5.31 mm. Leakage occurred more often in patients with ulnar-sided TFCC injuries (rɸ = 0.480; p < 0.001), whereas no association was found for lesions of the central articular disc (rɸ = 0.172; p = 0.111). CONCLUSIONS: Since ulnar-sided contrast leakage is more common in patients with peripheral TFCC injuries, distinction between an atypical configuration of the prestyloid recess and actual leakage is important in CT arthrography of the wrist.

Anatomical Study of the Innervation of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex and Distal Radioulnar and Radiocarpal Joints: Implications for Denervation.

PURPOSE: Open and percutaneous denervation is an emerging technique for joint pain. This study investigated the course and distribution of the articular branches innervating the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and radiocarpal joint (RCJ) relative to bony and soft tissue landmarks to guide wrist denervation procedures. METHODS: Fourteen formalin-embalmed specimens were serially dissected to expose the origin, course, and distribution of articular branches innervating the TFCC, DRUJ, and RCJ. Bony and soft tissue landmarks to localize each articular branch were documented and visualized on a 3-dimensional reconstruction of the bones of the distal forearm and hand. RESULTS: The TFCC was innervated by articular branches from the posterior interosseus nerve (10 of 14 specimens), dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (14 of 14 specimens), palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (12 of 14 specimens), and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (9 of 14 specimens). The DRUJ was innervated by the posterior interosseus nerve (9 of 14 specimens) and anterior interosseus nerve (14 of 14 specimens). The RCJ was innervated by the posterior interosseus nerve (14 of 14 specimens), superficial branch of the radial nerve (5 of 14 specimens), lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (14 of 14 specimens), and palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (10 of 14 specimens). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple nerves were found to innervate the TFCC, DRUJ, and RCJ. The relationship of anatomical landmarks to specific articular branches supplying the TFCC, DRUJ, and RCJ can inform selective denervation procedures based on the structural origin of pain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The detailed documentation of the spatial relationship of the nerve supply to the wrist provides clinicians with the anatomical basis to optimize current, and develop new denervation protocols to manage chronic wrist pain.

The Value Added of Advanced Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Pathology.

PURPOSE: Pathology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex is a prevalent cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain that presents a diagnostic challenge. We hypothesized that a history and physical examination (H&P) would be more cost-effective alone or with diagnostic injection than with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) in the diagnosis and treatment of a symptomatic triangular fibrocartilage complex abnormality. METHODS: A simple-chain decision analysis model was constructed to assess simulated subjects with ulnar-sided wrist pain and normal radiographs using several diagnostic algorithms: H&P alone, H&P + injection, H&P with delayed advanced imaging (MRI or MRA), and H&P + injection with delayed advanced imaging (MRI or MRA). Three years after diagnosis, effectiveness was calculated in Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-adjusted life years. Costs were extracted from a commercial insurance database using US dollars. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 10,000 second-order trials with sampling of parameter distributions was performed. One-way and 2-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: All strategies had similar mean effectiveness between 2.228 and 2.232 Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-adjusted life years, with mean costs ranging from $5,584 (H&P alone) to $5,980 (H&P, injection, and MRA). History and physical examination alone or with injection were the most cost-effective strategies. History and physical examination alone was the most preferred diagnostic strategy, though H&P + injection and H&P with delayed MRA were preferred with adjustments in willingness-to-pay and parameter inputs. As willingness-to-pay increased considerably (>$65,000 per Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-adjusted life year), inclusion of MRA became the most favorable strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced imaging adds costs and provides minimal increases in effectiveness in the diagnosis and treatment of a symptomatic triangular fibrocartilage complex abnormality. The most cost-effective strategy is H&P, with or without diagnostic injection. Magnetic resonance arthrogram may be favored in situations with a high willingness-to-pay or poor examination characteristics. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/Decision Analysis IV.

Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomy of the Deep Radioulnar Ligaments' Insertion on Ulna: Cadaveric, Histologic, and MRI Study.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the anatomic features of the insertion of deep radioulnar ligaments (RULs) and provide an anatomic basis for further studies. METHODS: The anatomic features of deep RUL insertion were observed macroscopically in 26 cadaveric wrists, after which the size of the deep RUL footprint and distance from the center of the footprint to the ulnar-sided margin of articular cartilage of the ulnar head were each measured. Five specimens were analyzed histologically to examine the attachment of the RUL on the ulna. In addition, we evaluated 21 asymptomatic wrists from healthy volunteers using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The insertion of the deep RUL was located mainly on the radial aspect of the ulnar fovea from the foveal center to the articular cartilage. The footprint of the deep RUL appeared in 3 different shapes. The maximal width, length, and area of the footprint of the deep RUL were 3.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-4.0) mm, 8.4 (95% CI, 7.9-8.9) mm, and 26.3 (95% CI, 23.4-29.1) mm2, respectively. Histologic analyses showed the attachment of the deep RUL on the radial wall of the fovea exhibited a direct insertion with typical 4-layer structures. The deep RUL fibers formed an acute angle with the distal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. CONCLUSIONS: The deep RUL was inserted on the radial side of the ulnar fovea and not the foveal center; it had direct insertion on the radial wall continuous with articular cartilage, and the fibers in the direct insertion formed an acute angle with the distal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the quantitative anatomy of the deep RUL insertion may help guide surgeons to perform an anatomic foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in its native footprint.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Foveal Reattachment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears With Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability: A Comparison of Suture Anchors and Transosseous Sutures.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopically-assisted suture anchor repair and transosseous sutures for repair of foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex tears in patients with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. METHODS: Sixty patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal detachment associated with DRUJ instability were prospectively recruited and randomized into 2 equal groups-the anchor repair group and the transosseous repair group. The primary outcome was DRUJ function after 2 years, which was assessed by the DRUJ evaluating system. The secondary outcomes were grip strength, visual analog scale for pain, Mayo Modified Wrist ScorePatient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups for any of the outcome measures. Good-to-excellent outcomes (according to the DRUJ evaluation system) were achieved in 27 (90%) patients in the anchor repair group and 26 (86.7%) patients in the transosseous repair group. Fewer complications were observed in the anchor repair group. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques yielded good and comparable outcomes with a lesser incidence of early complications in the anchor repair group. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Load-Bearing Radioulnar Distances to Evaluate an Unstable Distal Radioulnar Joint in Patients With Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

PURPOSE: Tears of the proximal component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (pc-TFCC) lead to instability in the distal radioulnar joint. The aim of this study was to measure the load-bearing radioulnar distances (RaUls) and to evaluate its diagnostic suitability in patients with pc-TFCC tears. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed and compared the lateral wrist radiographs of 61 adult patients with arthroscopically confirmed tears of pc-TFCC with those of a control group of 64 healthy participants. The RaUl was measured on lateral radiographs, and the difference in RaUl (D-value) between load-bearing and nonloading conditions was calculated in the 2 groups. Receiver operator characteristic curves were plotted to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cutoff-score of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value. The diagnostic performance was verified in a validation sample of patients (30 wrists) with pc-TFCC tears and a control group of healthy individuals (30 wrists). RESULTS: In the training sample, load-bearing RaUls of the affected wrists were higher than the same side of the controls (12.0 mm vs 7.1 mm). The TFCC-injury group showed a significantly higher RaUl D-value than the control group (8.5 mm vs 3.4 mm). Using a receiver operator characteristic curve, the cutoff value of load-bearing RaUl was 10 mm (sensitivity = 97.6%, specificity = 85.7%) and that of RaUl D-value was 6.5 mm (sensitivity = 90.2%, specificity = 78.5%). The areas under the curve of load-bearing RaUl and RaUl D-value were 0.96 and 0.88, respectively. In the test sample, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of RaUl were 0.93, 0.70, and 0.82 and those of RaUl D-value were 0.77, 0.83, and 0.80 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Load-bearing RaUl measurement is a simple method to diagnose an unstable distal radioulnar joint in patients with TFCC injury. The load bearing RaUl of >10 mm or RaUl D-value of >6.5 mm can be used to differentiate TFCC injuries and showed acceptable accuracy. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Motion Analysis of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris in Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury Using Ultrasonography Images.

The subsheath of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon, a component of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), is particularly important as it dynamically stabilizes the distal radioulnar joint. However, the relationship between TFCC injury and ECU dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze ECU movement and morphology using ultrasonography (US) images. Twenty wrists of patients with TFCC injury, who underwent TFCC repair, were included in the injury group, and 20 wrists of healthy volunteers were in the control group. For static image analysis, curvature and linearity ratios of the ECU in US long-axis images captured during radioulnar deviation were analyzed. For dynamic analysis of the ECU, the wrist was moved from radial deviation to ulnar deviation at a constant speed, and the velocity of the tendon was analyzed using particle image velocimetry. The static analysis showed that the ECU tendon was more curved in ulnar deviation in the injury group than in the control group, and the dynamic analysis showed that only vertical velocity toward the deep side during ulnar deviation was higher in the injury group. These results suggest that TFCC injury caused ECU curvature during ulnar deviation and increased the vertical velocity of the ECU during wrist deviation.