CLINICAL-RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX TEARS BY ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT

In order to determine indications for arthroscopic debridement and the management of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, we revi ewed 16 wrists retrospectively. The mean patient age was 30 years, wit h a range of 20 to 53 years. The follow-up period averaged 35 months. Two groups were identified: post-traumatic tears (n = 11) and degenera tive tears (n = 5). The results of arthroscopic debridement were compa red and analyzed based on the preoperative and postoperative evaluatio n of pain, range of motion, grip strength, return to work, patient acc eptance, and complications. Failures were further evaluated to determi ne identifiable lesions or anatomic defects associated with poor resul ts. Patients with positive ulnar Variance and lunotriquetral interosse ous ligament tears had a poor clinical outcome. Good results correlate d with grip strength; all patients with post-traumatic TFCC tears had excellent results, while those with degenerative TFCC tears did poorly .