The status of triangular fibrocartilage complex after the union of distal radius fractures with internal plate fixation

• Published in: International orthopaedics 2018-08, Vol.42 (8), p.1917-1922
• Main Authors: Fok, Margaret Woon Man, Fang, Christian Xinshuo, Lau, Tak Wing, Fung, Yin Keung Eric, Fung, Boris Kwok Keung, Leung, Frankie Ka Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Arthroscopy - methods; Bone Plates - adverse effects; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - adverse effects; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fractures, Ununited - complications; Fractures, Ununited - surgery; Humans; Incidence; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original Paper; Orthopedics; Prospective Studies; Radius Fractures - complications; Radius Fractures - surgery; Triangular Fibrocartilage - injuries; Wrist Injuries - epidemiology; Wrist Injuries - etiology; Wrist Injuries - surgery; Wrist Joint - physiopathology; Wrist Joint - surgery
• ISSN: 0341-2695; 1432-5195
• DOI: 10.1007/s00264-018-3793-2

Purpose Distal radius fractures are associated with a high incidence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. This study aims to evaluate the status of TFCC after the healing of distal radius fractures, and its clinical significance. Methods Wrist arthroscopies were performed on 43 distal radius fractures, with an average age of 54 years old. Results Twenty-six complete tears and 15 partial healed tears were noted. Five out of eight patients with intact TFCC tears had neither signs nor symptoms, while eight patients with TFCC tears had no complaint. While no association was found between ulnar wrist pain and TFCC tears, there was association between DRUJ instability and TFCC tears and fovea tears. The function outcome did not differ with respect to the integrity of TFCC. Conclusions A large majority of TFCC tears remained unhealed after the union of distal radius fractures. However, not all patients with tear were symptomatic.