The Hook Test Is More Accurate Than the Trampoline Test to Detect Foveal Tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex of the Wrist

Current concepts and new trends in management of isolated triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries

The triangular fibrocartilaginous complex is made of multiple components, of which the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments play an important role in distal radioulnar joint stability. The ulnar wrist ligaments may be injured during forearm and wrist trauma. There are several aspects of triangular fibrocartilaginous complex management that are still open to debate. The aim of the present study was to review the current concepts and discuss emerging trends to better elucidate and treat this important ligament complex.Level of evidence: V.

Is the ulnar fovea sign positive only in foveal tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex?

A positive ulnar fovea sign is usually considered to be specific for foveal disruption of the distal radioulnar ligaments. A retrospective review was done of 73 patients with a positive ulnar fovea sign. Only 21 patients had a foveal tear on arthroscopic examination.Level of evidence: IV.

Symptomatic Radial-Sided Tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: An All-Arthroscopic Repair Using Bone Anchors

Radial-sided tears of the triangular fibrocartilage, though uncommon, can still be a reason for ulnar-sided wrist pain, and, at times, instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Historically, it has been believed that because of the paucity of vascularity along the radial edge of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), any form of repair will not lead to healing, thus stating it to be an exercise in futility. Current literature deftly argues against this previously prevailing concept and supports the need of repair in case of symptomatic radial-sided TFCC tears. In our study, we describe an all-arthroscopic technique of repairing radial-sided tears using a bone anchor which can be a fast and simple procedure in the hands of an orthopaedic or hand surgeon trained in arthroscopy. This technique also circumvents the risk of injuring the superficial radial nerve and other radial-sided structures which are stated complications of the current arthroscopic repairs.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a common cause of ulnar-side wrist pain and may progress to persistent pain, instability of the distal radioulnar joint, and arthritis if left untreated. Diagnosis and management of these injuries requires a nuanced understanding of features pertinent to the clinical presentation, imaging, and arthroscopic findings for accurate management. Arthroscopic-assisted repair techniques have revolutionized surgical management, providing detailed visualization and facilitating the repair of TFCC injuries and associated pathologies with minimally invasive techniques. In this review, we discuss the anatomy of the TFCC, history and examination of ulnar-sided pathology, imaging findings, and classification schemes and review surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC injuries. We also touch on pearls and pitfalls of the techniques, complications, and results of treatment.

Comparing the Outcomes of Suture Anchor Repair and Rein-Type Capsular Suture for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tears With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

Recent biomechanical studies have highlighted the importance of foveal reinsertion when repairing triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury with foveal tears. However, clinical studies comparing different repair techniques are scarce. We compared the clinical outcomes of suture anchor repair and rein-type capsular suture in patients with TFCC palmer 1B foveal tears with a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

This was a single-surgeon, single-center, retrospective, comparative study. We included patients who underwent TFCC repair surgery due to a foveal tear from December 2013 to October 2018 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Postoperative Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, Modified Mayo Wrist Score, visual analogue scale for pain, wrist range of motion, and grip strength were compared. We also measured the maximal ulnar head displacement with dynamic ultrasound to quantify distal radioulnar joint stability.

RESULTS

In total, 103 patients were in the suture anchor group (group A) and 84 patients in the rein-type capsular suture group (group B). The mean follow-up time exceeded three years for both groups. There was a minimal difference regarding QuickDASH score, visual analogue scale for pain, and grip strength ratio between the two groups. The rein-type group had significantly better Modified Mayo Wrist Score. The suture anchor group showed better distal radioulnar joint stability with dynamic ultrasound, but was more limited in ulnar deviation. However, these differences are most likely clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both suture anchor repair and rein-type capsular suture yielded satisfactory results for TFCC 1B foveal tear in a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The functional scores were similar, and no major complications or recurrent instability were noted in either group.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective Therapeutic Comparative Investigation IV.

The "Bubble Test" in the Arthroscopic Diagnosis of Triangular Fibrocartilage Central Lesion: Description and Relevance to Treatment

Background  Ulnarly sided wrist pain is a common and challenging symptom. Arthroscopy has become a safe and effective tool for the correct diagnosis and treatment, proving to be better than all other clinical and imaging diagnostic methods. Some tests have been described for the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) lesions, such as the trampoline test for peripheral lesions and the hook, ghost, and suction tests for foveal detachments. In tears at the disc level, when they affect all layers of the TFC (complete lesion) at the same point, testing with the probe will usually suffice for the diagnosis. However, in some apparently partial lesions, the probe cannot pass through all layers because the proximal and distal sites of the lesion are not aligned. There has been no arthroscopic test described for such cases. Case Description  We describe a simple and practical test that we have called the "bubble test" in a typical case to diagnose TFC central injuries, aiming to discriminate partial from complete lesions, which are eventually hard to differentiate through direct vision and arthroscopic probing, leading to a direct influence onto the treatment. The bubble test is performed with external compression of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) aspect, with the thumb on the back of the DRUJ and the index and middle fingers onto the volar aspect. The abrupt compression of this region causes the passage of air mixed with synovial fluid from the DRUJ to the radiocarpal joint, generating bubble formation. Clinical Relevance  The bubble test should correlate to physical examination and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) findings and is particularly useful in central and degenerative (Type II) TFC lesions in patients complaining of chronic pain on the ulnar region of the wrist, with no history of trauma and with inconclusive MRI findings. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, arthroscopic treatment consists of wide debridement of the lesion with resection of the injured tissue and the local inflammatory reaction. Thus, it is essential for the correct treatment to define the exact location of the lesion and to know whether the disc injury is complete.

An All-Arthroscopic Technique of Repairing Foveal Tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Using a Bone Anchor-Repair Made Simple

Traumatic foveal tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex lead to ulnar-sided wrist pain and instability, resulting in painful motion and loss of grip strength with a severe impact on the overall function of the upper limb. Surgical repair is nothing new and has traversed through the realm of open repair to arthroscopic assisted to all arthroscopic repair techniques over the many decades, with arthroscopic repairs showing better visualization, lesser trauma, and equally favorable patient outcomes. Techniques had varied from using trans osseous tunnels to bone anchors, with or without the usage of special jigs. Here, we describe a simple and fast 3 portal arthroscopic technique of repairing the torn foveal insertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex using a bone anchor inserted under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic guidance into the fovea. Both the dorsal and volar limbs of the triangular fibrocartilage complex are repaired arthroscopically, resulting in a strong anatomic repair resulting in a stable and pain-free wrist.

The Hook Test Is Not Pathognomonic for Foveal Detachment of the Triangular Fibrocartilage

Background  The integrity of the foveal insertion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is currently assessed by inference using the hook test. Using dry arthroscopic techniques, the primary author observed that many patients with painful distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and a positive hook test had an intact foveal insertion. This study was performed to determine whether a positive hook test is a reliable index of a tear of the foveal insertion. Technique  The hook test is performed using a probe to elevate the TFCC off the ulna head toward the articular surface of the lunate. In this study, the hook test was considered positive if the TFCC could be elevated to bridge more than 80% of the space between the TFCC and the articular surface of the lunate. Patients and Methods  A retrospective study was performed using the medical records and arthroscopic videos of 113 patients who had clinical signs of DRUJ instability and underwent arthroscopic surgery performed by the primary author in 2020. It was documented whether the hook test was positive or negative, whether the foveal insertion was intact, abnormal or absent, and whether there were peripheral (dorsal or volar) tears of the TFCC. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using arthroscopic findings as the reference standard. Results  The sensitivity of the hook test was found to be 100%, and the specificity was 7.0%. The positive predictive value for foveal pathology was found to be 12.3% and the negative predictive value 100%. The diagnostic accuracy of the hook test in determining the presence of foveal tears was found to be 17.7%. The diagnostic accuracy of the hook test in determining the presence of a TFCC abnormality was 99.1%. Conclusions  A positive hook test is indicative of a tear of the TFCC, but it is not anatomically specific for a tear of the foveal insertion. To reliably assess the foveal insertion, it must be visualized and probed using dry arthroscopic techniques.

A New Arthroscopic Classification of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Disorders

Introduction  The use of wrist arthroscopy has become a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) disorders. Since Palmer's landmark paper, many new arthroscopic descriptions of TFCC tears have been published but there is no currently available updated comprehensive arthroscopic classification of TFCC lesions. Purpose  We recently described the arthroscopic anatomy of the TFCC as viewed from a 3-4 portal. Our purpose was to propose a new TFCC disorders classification based on this new arthroscopic TFCC description. Methods  We included all currently described TFCC disorders to the best of our knowledge into our arthroscopic, functional, and vascular anatomical concept. We also included patient's specific ulnar variance and distal radial ulnar joint coronal inclination as baseline treatment-oriented parameters. The fresh or chronic, reparable or nonreparable nature of some types of TFCC tears were considered as separate parameters. Results  The proposed classification includes disc "D" (degenerative or traumatic), reins "R" (traumatic), and wall "W" (traumatic) lesions. Combined lesions of those three parts of the TFCC may be easily identified. This new classification should facilitate future analysis of isolated or combined TFCC disorders whether they are degenerative and/or traumatic. Discussion  The authors present a new three-dimensional-three-part arthroscopic updated description of TFCC disorders with relevance to etiology and treatment principles.

A Modified Arthroscopic Ulnar Tunnel Technique for Combined Foveal and Capsular (All-Inside) Fixation of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury

Background  Traumatic disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is commonly present in various wrist traumas. A variation of surgical techniques is previously developed for different injury patterns. To our knowledge, only a few studies have investigated the fixation of combined foveal and capsular TFCC injuries using the ulnar tunnel technique. Purpose  This prospective cohort study of 21 patients aimed to evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcome at 2 years of follow-up after arthroscopic TFCC of combined, foveal, and capsular reattachment by modified ulnar tunnel technique. Methods  Pain, grip strength, wrist motion, inclusive rotation, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed pre- and postoperatively at 2 years of follow-up. Results  No complications occurred preoperatively. Pain and patient-reported outcomes improved significantly ( p  < 0.0001 and 0.004). Grip strength improved, but not significantly ( p  = 0.088). The range of motion remained unchanged. All the patients achieved full stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Two patients sustained a new TFCC injury due to a wrist trauma and underwent a reoperation successfully. Two patients experienced complications: one patient experienced tenderness caused by cyst occurrence after PushLock ankers and the second had subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon subsheet. Both patients were successfully treated and reoperated on with curettage of the cyst, and reconstruction of the extensor carpi ulnaris retinaculum. All the patients ended with good or excellent satisfaction scores. Conclusion  The ulnar tunnel technique for combined foveal and capsular injuries shows promising short-term follow-up results and high satisfaction scores in the patients. Level of Evidence  II (Prospective Corhorte).

Stabilization of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Using the TightRope Implant: A Distal Oblique Bundle Augmentation

Background  Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury often results in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. However, not all patients with a ruptured TFCC have an unstable DRUJ as in these patients a distal oblique bundle (DOB) may be present. We assumed that augmentation of the DOB leads to a more stable situation following reinsertion of the TFCC. We present the clinical results of a new surgical technique using the TightRope system as a DOB augmentation. Description of Technique  All cases were treated under regional anesthesia with the TightRope implant for which a tunnel was drilled from the distal ulna through the radius along the path of the DOB. The TightRope was passed through the tunnel and secured with buttons on either side. X-rays were made during surgery to confirm correct positioning. Methods  A retrospective study was performed analyzing 21 cases treated with a TightRope augmentation of the DOB. The primary outcome was measured using the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score at least 12 months after surgery. Results  Postoperatively, the DRUJ was stable in all patients. The median PRWE score was 16 for the injured side compared to zero for the uninjured side ( p -value: < 0.001). The median pronation and supination were not statistically significant when we compared the injured side to the uninjured side. The median grip strength was 31 kg for the injured side compared to 38 kg for the uninjured side ( p -value: 0.015). There were two minor postoperative complications (10%). Conclusion  This technique is capable of restoring DRUJ stability with a short immobilization period resulting in good patient-related outcomes and a low complication rate.

An All-arthroscopic Technique of Repair of Substance Tears of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in Symptomatic Patients

Substance tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can occur secondary to trauma of the wrist. On the dorsal periphery, they are considered Palmer 1B tears or Atzei class 1 tears. If along the radial side, they can manifest as a tear of the central disc, classified as a Palmar class 1A tear. If it involves the ligaments, it is stated as a pre-1D tear as per the new classification system by Luchetti and colleagues. Multiple excellent repair techniques exist in the current literature for dorsal peripheral tears and even for those in the substance of the TFCC, whereas there are successful evolving techniques of repair of avulsed tears and those involving the substance of the ligaments on the radial side adjacent to the sigmoid notch. Here, we describe our technique of repairing substance tears of the TFCC arthroscopically without the need for any specialized equipment apart from the basic arthroscopy set. The technique was conducted in a patient with a transverse substance tear on the radial side of the triangular fibrocartilage involving the central disc with complete resolution of symptoms. It is a simple technique, which can be used to repair class 1B peripheral tears and pre-1D tears in the substance of the TFCC.

Extensor carpi ulnaris tendon pathology and ulnar styloid bone marrow edema as diagnostic markers of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears on wrist MRI: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon pathology and ulnar styloid process bone marrow edema (BME) as diagnostic MRI markers for peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-three patients (age range 21-75, 68 females) with wrist 1.5-T MRI and arthroscopy were included in this retrospective case-control study. The presence of TFCC tears (no tear, central perforation, or peripheral tear), ECU pathology (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, tear or subluxation), and BME at the ulnar styloid process were determined on MRI and correlated with arthroscopy. Cross-tabulation with chi-square tests, binary logistic regression with odds ratios (OR), and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were used to describe diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

On arthroscopy, 46 cases with no TFCC tear, 34 cases with central perforations, and 53 cases with peripheral TFCC tears were identified. ECU pathology was seen in 19.6% (9/46) of patients with no TFCC tears, in 11.8% (4/34) with central perforations and in 84.9% (45/53) with peripheral TFCC tears (p < 0.001); the respective numbers for BME were 21.7% (10/46), 23.5% (8/34), and 88.7% (47/53) (p < 0.001). Binary regression analysis showed additional value from ECU pathology and BME in predicting peripheral TFCC tears. The combined approach with direct MRI evaluation and both ECU pathology and BME yielded a 100% positive predictive value for peripheral TFCC tear as compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone.

CONCLUSIONS

ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to diagnose tears.

KEY POINTS

• ECU pathology and ulnar styloid BME are highly associated with peripheral TFCC tears and can be used as secondary signs to confirm the presence of TFCC tears. • If there is a peripheral TFCC tear on direct MRI evaluation and in addition both ECU pathology and BME on MRI, the positive predictive value is 100% that there will be a tear on arthroscopy compared to 89% with direct evaluation alone. • If there is no peripheral TFCC tear on direct evaluation and neither ECU pathology nor BME on MRI, the negative predictive value is 98% that there will be no tear on arthroscopy compared to 94% with direct evaluation alone.

A modified arthroscopic ulnar tunnel technique for foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex injury

Arthroscopically assisted techniques for the treatment of foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries offer a less invasive option. Reports of the ulnar tunnel technique on a larger patient population are needed. This prospective cohort study of 44 patients aimed to evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcome after arthroscopic foveal re-attachment using a novel, modified ulnar tunnel technique. Furthermore, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared with the findings from the arthroscopic evaluation. History of ulnar sided wrist pain, positive fovea-sign at the clinical examination and positive hook test at the surgery were the main inclusion criteria for the study. Pain, grip strength, wrist motion and patient-reported outcomes were assessed pre-and postoperatively. The follow-up of this study was 31 months (range 18-48). No complications occurred during the surgery. All outcomes improved besides the range of motion, which remained unchanged. Pain on a visual analogue scale was 63 before, and 14 after the surgery (p = .0004). Pre- and postoperative values of Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire were 41/6, respectively (p = .007). Grip strength, measured in Kilogram-force were 29 and 36, pre-and postoperatively (p = .0004). Conspicuously, all patients achieved stability. Six patients needed re-operation, three for renewed injury. Thirty-nine of 44 patients scored excellent or good on the satisfaction score. We found the devised method to be with fewer complications and with favourable results compared with other techniques for the treatment of TFCC injuries. Level of evidence: III.

Arthroscopic TFCC Ulnar Bone Tunnel Foveal Repair in Adult Patients

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears may cause persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain, loss of grip strength, and associated loss of function. Although the majority of TFCC tears can be treated nonoperatively, surgical repair is considered when conservative measures fail. TFCC tears with foveal disruption and instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) require direct repair of the TFCC to the ulnar fovea. The traditional method of foveal TFCC repair involves an open surgical approach through the floor of the 5th dorsal compartment. However, this open approach causes disruption of structures such as the dorsal ulnocarpal capsule, the extensor retinaculum, and, potentially, the distal radioulnar ligament (DRUL). This article describes, in detail, the recently developed arthroscopic assisted ulnar foveal bone tunnel repair. This method spares dorsal structures that may be disrupted during an open surgical approach and creates a robust repair of the TFCC deep fibers with restoration of DRUJ stability.

The Pre-1D Lesion of the TFCC-A New Variant of the Palmer 1D Class

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the most important stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Its injury is the main cause for ulnar sided pain after wrist trauma. In recent years, advancements of wrist arthroscopy improved the diagnostics and treatment of the TFCC tears. The purpose of this article is to describe a variant of radial tears (1D according to Palmer), in which the radio-ulnar ligaments were ruptured in the midsubstance just before (Pre) their insertion on the sigmoid notch and illustrate the arthroscopic surgical technique used for its treatment. We name this variant of the Palmer 1D lesion, the pre-1D TFCC lesion.

Midterm Results of Arthroscopy-Assisted "Tent Form" Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair With Dorsal Distal Radioulnar Joint Capsule Imbrication for Posttraumatic Chronic Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of "tent form" triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair combined with dorsal distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) capsule imbrication for posttraumatic chronic DRUJ instability.

METHODS

All patients treated with arthroscopic "tent form" TFCC repair and DRUJ capsule imbrication from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were symptomatic chronic DRUJ instability for >6 months and dorsal DRUJ subluxation on magnetic resonance imaging. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, grip strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Score, range of motion, and distal radioulnar joint stability were assessed for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. The average follow-up duration was 35.6 months (range, 24-48 months). The 24-month postoperative grip strengths and 3-dimensional motions of wrist were not significantly different from that of the nonoperated wrist. Compared with their preoperative status, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, and Modified Mayo Wrist Score indicated the significant improvement with P values of .001, .001, and .002, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic DRUJ instability with a loosening dorsal capsule, "tent form" TFCC transcapsular repair combined with DRUJ capsule imbrication restored the integrity of TFCC and dorsal DRUJ capsule and achieved a promising outcome. We recommend this procedure as an option of treatment for patients with posttraumatic chronic DRUJ instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Arthroscopic Foveal Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Improved the Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Persistent Symptomatic Distal Radio-Ulnar Joint Instability After Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To investigate the longitudinal trend of symptomatic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability after plate fixation for distal radius fractures (DRFs), determine which factors are associated with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability, and evaluate the postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in patients with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability after plate fixation for DRF.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent plate fixation for DRF between January 2014 and December 2017 and were followed up for a minimum of 1 year were included in this retrospective study. DRUJ instability was evaluated by subjective ulnar wrist pain and physical examination that included foveal sign and ballottement testing every 2 months after surgery. In patients with persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability lasting >6 months, arthroscopic transosseous foveal repair was performed with consent. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. The Generalized Estimating Equation model was used to analyze the incidence rate trend of symptomatic DRUJ instability.

RESULTS

Overall, 204 patients were included. The incidence of symptomatic DRUJ instability decreased gradually with time after fixation for DRF until 6 months and was maintained thereafter. Thirty-four of 204 patients (16.6%) had persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability. In multivariable analysis, only high-energy injury was an independent risk factor for persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability (P = .003; odds ratio = 3.599). Seventeen patients underwent arthroscopic foveal repair. The mean follow-up period thereafter was 28.6 months. All clinical outcomes improved significantly compared with preoperative values, and no patient had residual DRUJ instability.

CONCLUSION

In patients who had persistent symptomatic DRUJ instability for >6 months after plate fixation for DRFs, arthroscopic foveal repair of the TFCC is considered as a treatment option. Arthroscopic foveal repair of the TFCC to stabilize the DRUJ provided satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes and decreased ulnar-side pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous reconstruction of chronic triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tears: outcomes in 12 patients

We report the surgical method and outcomes of a simple arthroscopic-assisted technique of repairing triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal injuries in 12 patients with chronic distal radioulnar joint instability. An ulnar transosseous tunnel was created with its distal exit point located 3 to 4 mm radial to the fovea. A tendon graft was cut into two parts, and both were then passed through the bone tunnel to secure the radioulnar ligament remnants back to the fovea in a 'V' shape configuration. At the final follow-up of 13 to 26 months (average 21), all patients had a reduction of wrist pain, with the mean visual analogue scale dropped from 4.6 to 1.6 out of 10. The distal radioulnar joint was completely stable in nine patients and had improved stability in three patients. The mean Mayo modified wrist scores improved from 72 to 89, and the clinical outcomes were excellent in four patients, good in seven and fair in one. No major surgical complications occurred. This simple arthroscopic one-tunnel transosseous approach is effective for chronic foveal tears of the TFCC with intact radioulnar ligament remnants.Level of evidence: IV.

Editorial Commentary: The Hook Test Is More Accurate for Detecting Foveal Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears but Not More Important Than the Trampoline Test

Wrist arthroscopy is a successful tool to diagnose and treat several intra-articular wrist pathologies. To assess the stability and integrity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), the most commonly injured structure in the ulnocarpal compartment, the trampoline and hook tests are frequently used in daily practice. However, their arthroscopic performance measures have not been well elucidated to date. While the hook test may primarily be seen as a sensitive tool to detect foveal TFCC tears, the trampoline test is of equal importance for the clinician because it can detect frequently occurring superficial (distal) tears in the peripheral TFCC area. As opposed to the hook test, however, the trampoline test might more easily lead to interrater disagreement since the rebound after probing is rather a continuum than a binary measure and might be related to a different severity of peripheral TFCC disruption. The combination of both tests should thus be pursued since they complement each other very well. Proper interpretation of the tests needs sufficient experience and should be done in concordance with the clinical evaluation (ie, fovea sign, distal radioulnar joint ballottement test). Hence, the hook test may be more accurate to detect foveal TFCC tears but all together not more important than the trampoline test to establish the correct diagnosis. For once, Captain Hook has won!