Background The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions are frequently implicated as a cause of ulnar wrist pain following impact and loading injuries. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical outcomes following TFCC lesion repair with the arthroscopic outside-in technique.
Description of Technique We inserted a 21-gauge needle with 4–0 nylon loop perpendicular to the injured triangular fibrocartilage (TFC). We held two 4–0 nylon loops with mosquito forceps, drew them once out of the joint through a 4 to 5 portal, and put both sides through each loop. After that, we pulled out the 21-gauge needles and performed outside-in sutures after making a small incision and tying directly over the capsule.
Patients and Methods Twenty-one wrists who underwent arthroscopic capsular repair were included. Arthroscopic findings were evaluated, and we used a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) evaluation system to monitor relief of pain, forearm rotation range of motion, and DRUJ stability postoperatively.
Results Simple ulnar avulsion (Palmer 1B, Atzei Class 1) was recognized in ten wrists. A combination of the 1B tear with a horizontal TFC tear was noted in five wrists; and ulnar avulsion extending to the dorsal half of the TFC was identified in six wrists, including complete dorsal avulsion of the TFC from the capsule. There are significantly better results in the cases whose preoperative periods were 15 months or less.
Conclusion The outside-in TFC repair technique produced excellent clinical results for peripheral detachment of the TFC in cases without severe DRUJ instability and with a preoperative period less than 15 months.
Despite the introduction of various techniques for ligament reconstruction in the treatment of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, complications, including proximal migration, dorsal subluxation of the first metacarpal base, hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, and impingement between the first and second metacarpal bases, have been reported. Even suture button suspensionplasty with Arthrex Mini TightRope may be unable to correct the adduction contracture deformity and does not effectively tether the trapeziometacarpal toward the base of the index metacarpal, thus potentially leaving patients with persistent decreased first web space angle, proximal migration, and collapse deformity. Hence, suture suspension arthroplasty with abductor pollicis longus (APL)-flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon suture after trapeziectomy, a simpler technique, was applied. This simple surgical reconstruction abducts the first metacarpal bone. Abduction of the CMC joint improves metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. However, strong tension of the APL-FCR causes abduction contracture of the first CMC joint and difficulty of pinch motion of the thumb to the other fingers. Therefore, we have modified the arthroplasty with a wide-awake approach. The procedure is performed with the patient fully awake under local anesthesia, without a tourniquet to allow the patient to actively move and pinch the thumb, which allows the surgeon to confirm the tension of the APL-FCR suture. A fiber wire is connected to the APL-FCR with proper tension. The patient and surgeon can ensure pinch motion and thumb opposition with satisfaction during surgery.
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