No abstract

Advances in radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) diagnostic arthroscopy permits a treatment-oriented classification of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) peripheral tears: 1) repairable distal tears; 2) repairable complete tears; 3) repairable proximal tears; 4) non-repairable tears; and 5) tears associated with DRUJ arthritis. Class 1 tears should be sutured; Class 2 and 3 are associated with DRUJ instability and require TFCC reattachment to the fovea; Class 4 tears need reconstruction using a tendon graft and Class 5 tears require an arthroplasty. Arthroscopic assisted TFCC foveal reattachment is possible through the direct foveal portal, a dedicated DRUJ working portal. Arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction using a tendon graft showed promising results.

There is still controversy regarding the value of arthroscopic suture of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) peripheral tears compared with open transosseous repair because only the latter method restores foveal insertions of TFCC in case of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. Five classes of TFCC peripheral tears are recognized in a treatment-oriented algorithm based on arthroscopic findings, and indications to proper treatment are set accordingly. Complete repairable tears (class 2) and proximal repairable tears (class 3) are associated with DRUJ instability and require foveal reattachment of the TFCC. We describe a new arthroscopic technique to repair the foveal attachment of the TFCC with the use of a suture anchor, which is indicated for class 2 and 3 TFCC peripheral tears, instead of an open repair. This technique requires a dedicated working portal to approach the fovea ulnaris. This Direct Foveal portal is used to prepare the ligament and bone and to drill and insert a suture anchor loaded with a pair of sutures. Under arthroscopic vision, a suture is passed through each limb of the ligament and tied using a small knot-pusher. This arthroscopic technique restores original TFCC anatomy and adequate DRUJ stability with less morbidity and potentially accelerated rehabilitation compared with open repair.

The aim of this study was to assess the objective and subjective functional outcomes after foveal reattachment of proximal or complete ulnar-sided triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions by two surgical procedures: an open technique or an arthroscopically assisted repair. The study was done prospectively on 49 wrists affected by post-traumatic distal radio-ulnar joint instability. Twenty-four patients were treated with the open technique (Group 1) and 25 by the arthroscopically assisted technique (Group 2). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a clear foveal detachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex in 67% of the cases. Arthroscopy showed a positive ulnar-sided detachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (positive hook test) in all cases. Distal radio-ulnar joint stability was obtained in all but five patients at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Both groups had improvement of all parameters with significant differences in wrist pain scores, Mayo wrist score, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation questionnaire scores. There were no significant post-operative differences between the two groups in the outcome parameters except for the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score, which was significantly better in Group 2 (p < 0.001).

Background Foveal disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. TFCC fixation onto the fovea is the suitable treatment, which is not achieved by conventional arthroscopic techniques. We describe an all-inside arthroscopic technique that uses a suture anchor through distal DRUJ arthroscopy for foveal repair of the TFCC. Materials and Methods Forty-eight patients with TFCC foveal tear and DRUJ instability were selected according to the Atzei-European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) algorithm of treatment. Retrospective evaluation included pain, DRUJ instability, range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Score. Description of Technique DRUJ arthroscopy was performed to débride the TFCC and the foveal area. Under arthroscopic guidance, a suture anchor was inserted via the distal foveal portal to repair the TFCC onto the fovea. Sutures were tied on the radiocarpal surface of the TFCC. Postoperative immobilization of forearm rotation was maintained for 4 weeks. Heavy tasks were allowed after 3 months. Results After a mean follow-up of 33 months, pain improved significantly but remained moderate in four patients, severe in one. DRUJ instability resolved in 44 patients. Wrist ROM increased. Grip strength, MMWS, and DASH score improved significantly. Excellent and good MMWS equaled 83.3%. Forty-one patients (85.5%) resumed previous work and sport activities. As a postoperative complication, five patients experienced neuroapraxia of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve (DSBUN) with full spontaneous recovery. Conclusions With appropriate indications and patient selection, arthroscopic foveal repair of the TFCC may restore DRUJ stability and provide satisfactory results without significant complications.

Hyaloglide is a hyaluronan-based gel based on a novel auto-crosslinked technology designed to reduce postsurgical adhesions. Its efficacy was assessed in a multicentred randomized controlled trial comparing the results of flexor tenolysis in zone 2 following failed flexor tendon repairs. In the control group a standard release was performed. In the treated group, Hyaloglide was applied into the flexor sheath and around the site of tenolysis. Forty-five patients, 19 controls and 26 treated with Hyaloglide, were enrolled in 13 centres. All the patients were evaluated at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days after surgery by testing Total Active Motion, Quick-DASH questionnaire and number of working days lost after surgery. Patients in the Hyaloglide group had a statistically better recovery of finger motion at all time intervals and returned earlier to work and daily activities. The use of Hyaloglide did not appear to increase the complication rate.

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Cone beam CT may be considered a valuable imaging tool in the preoperative assessment of finger fractures, when MSCT is not available.