DRUJ/TFCC Injuries and Treatment-Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

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This article discusses the topic of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. The case presented is of a 49-year-old man who is experiencing ulnar-sided wrist pain. The article raises the question of whether an acute peripheral TFCC tear can be distinguished from a long-standing defect, and if repair is beneficial compared to debridement or symptomatic treatment. The current opinion suggests that acute TFCC tears are treated nonoperatively with immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injection, and physical therapy. If symptoms persist, wrist arthroscopy can confirm the tear location. Class 1A tears are treated with debridement, while repair is recommended for class 1B tears due to increased vascularity in the peripheral zone. The article also discusses the incidence of TFCC tears, the distinction between traumatic and non-traumatic lesions, and the relationship between ulnar variance and outcome after TFCC repair. The evidence presented in the article consists of small case series, and there is a need for further research to distinguish traumatic from non-traumatic TFCC lesions and to determine the best treatment options. The current concepts for this patient involve splint immobilization followed by debridement if the DRUJ is stable. Overall, this article provides an overview of peripheral TFCC tears and their management.

Keywords

peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears

ulnar-sided wrist pain

acute TFCC tear

long-standing defect

repair vs debridement

symptomatic treatment

wrist arthroscopy

class 1A tears

class 1B tears

ulnar variance