ARTHROSCOPIC REPAIR OF THE TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX

To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of the triangular fibr ocartilage complex (TFCC), functional outcome was determined after art hroscopic repair of 22 wrists in 21 patients. Average follow-up was 36 months (range, 26 to 45 months) and the patients' average age was 30 years (range, 22 to 38 years). All patients had wrist pain limiting th em from work or any sports. Twelve of the 14 patients with positive ar thrograms had an avulsion of the TFCC from the sigmoid notch (Palmer t ype ID tears). Of the 6 patients with negative arthrograms, 5 had peri pheral tears (Palmer type IB). Five patients had associated lunotrique tral ligament repairs and 7 had ulna shortening osteotomies. There was a significant relief of pain and increase in work and sports activiti es (P < .01). Postoperative range of mat-ion averaged 86% +/- 9% of th e contralateral side and grip strength averaged 82% +/- 20% of the con tralateral side. There was a significant correlation between the delay from injury to surgical repair and the final total range of motion an d grip strength. Follow-up studies in 15 patients found that the repai rs were intact in 13. Arthroscopic repair results in significant relie f of pain and an increase in the ability to perform at work or sports.