Current Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries

ABSTRACT

The Palmer class 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex injury has two entities: a lesion with stable distal radioulnar joint and a lesion with distal radioulnar joint instability. Arthroscopic debridement of fibrocartilage disk is used in Palmer class 1A lesion. The surgeon should remove the portion of the fibrocartilage tissue until a mechanically stable and smooth residual rim remains. Arthroscopic repair is used in Palmer class 1B or 1D lesion using meniscal repair sutures. Ulnar detachment that can produce distal radioulnar ligament instability can also be repaired using bone anchor or pull out suture. Old age as well as positive ulnar variance is poor prognostic factors.