Arthroscopic treatment of triangular fibrocartilage tears.

ABSTRACT

Lesions of the TFCC are more frequently implicated as a cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Accurate diagnosis of TFCC pathology must be based on a thorough history and physical examination. Imaging modalities of particular use include plain radiographs, triple compartment arthrography, and MR imaging. The most sensitive and accurate diagnosis of the extent as well as the clinical significance of intra-articular pathology on the ulnar side of the wrist is by means of the arthroscope. With the advent of smaller and more elaborate arthroscopic instrumentation, the ability to perform arthroscopic surgery on the TFCC has dramatically increased over the past decade. The present arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central and radial lesions consists of debridement of unstable flaps, whereas dorsal and ulnar-sided lesions can be directly repaired. Centrally located degenerative perforations can be debrided in conjunction with an arthroscopic wafer procedure on the distal ulna.