Current Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries

Kim,  Byung Sung

doi:2013.18.2.85

Arch Hand Microsurg > Volume 18(2); 2013 > Article

Review

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2013;18(2):85-94.
Published online June 30, 2013.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2013.18.2.85

Current Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries

Byung Sung Kim

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea. kbsos@schmc.ac.kr

Received: 14 May 2013 • Revised: 7 June 2013 • Accepted: 8 June 2013

Abstract

The Palmer class 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex injury has two entities: a lesion with stable distal radioulnar joint and a lesion with distal radioulnar joint instability. Arthroscopic debridement of fibrocartilage disk is used in Palmer class 1A lesion. The surgeon should remove the portion of the fibrocartilage tissue until a mechanically stable and smooth residual rim remains. Arthroscopic repair is used in Palmer class 1B or 1D lesion using meniscal repair sutures. Ulnar detachment that can produce distal radioulnar ligament instability can also be repaired using bone anchor or pull out suture. Old age as well as positive ulnar variance is poor prognostic factors.