Patterns of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury associated with severely dorsally displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures

Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability

SUMMARY

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is vital to the stability and function of the wrist and forearm. The osseous morphology is variable and provides little stability. A complex of confluent soft tissues is the primary stabilizer; however, the contribution of each component has yet to be elucidated. It has become increasingly clear that the anatomic fixation of distal radius fractures restores DRUJ stability, obviating the need for additional DRUJ stabilization. This review will describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the DRUJ and discuss injury patterns, treatments, and clinical results.

Fracture Severity and Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury in Distal Radius Fractures with or without Osteoporosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fracture morphology of distal radius fractures (DRFs) with the status of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal insertion in patients with or without osteoporosis and to identify the relationship between osteoporosis and foveal tear. Seventy-five patients who underwent surgery for DRF from January 2021 to September 2023 were included. All patients were evaluated by standard radiography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and underwent a 3.0 T magnetic-resonance imaging examination of the involved wrist to identify TFCC foveal tear. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the presence of osteoporosis: patients with osteoporosis (group I) and those without osteoporosis (group II). Group I showed a significantly larger displacement of fractures compared to group II (radial inclination; 13.7 ± 5.4 vs. 17.9 ± 4.2; p < 0.001, dorsal angulation; 22.2 ± 12.1 vs. 16.5 ± 9.4; p = 0.024, ulnar variance; 4.15 ± 2.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.9; p < 0.001). Dorsal angulation and ulnar variance were found to be independent prognostic factors for TFCC foveal tear in logistic regression analysis. Displacement of fractures was related to osteoporosis, and dorsal angulation and ulnar variance were independent prognostic factors for TFCC foveal tear. However, osteoporosis was not identified as a factor associated with TFCC foveal tears.

Adjuvant Arthroscopy Does Not Improve the Functional Outcome of Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of adding arthroscopy to osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures (DRF) with volar locking plate (VLP), by Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) 1 year after surgery.

METHODS

In total, 186 functionally independent adult patients who met the inclusion criteria (DRF and a clinical decision for surgery with a VLP) were randomized to arthroscopic assistance or not. Primary outcome was PRWE questionnaire results 1 year after surgery. For the main variable, PRWE, we obtained the minimal clinically important difference based on a distribution-based method. Secondary outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaires, range of motion, strength, radiographic measures, and presence of joint step-offs by computed tomography. Data were collected preoperatively and at +1 and +4 weeks, +3 and +6 months, and +1 year after surgery. Complications were recorded throughout the study.

RESULTS

In total, 180 patients (mean age: 59.0 ± 14.9 years; 76% women) were analyzed by modified intention to treat. A total of 82% of the fractures were intra-articular (AO type C). No significant difference between arthroscopic (AG) and control (CG) groups in median PRWE was found at +1 year (median AG: 5.0, median CG: 7.5, difference in medians 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.0, 7.0, P = .328). The proportion of patients who exceeded the minimal clinically important difference of 12.81 points in the AG and CG was 86.4% vs 85.1%, P = .819, respectively. Percentage of associated injuries and step-offs reduction maneuvers was greater with arthroscopy (mean differences: 17.1 95% CI -0.1, 26.1, P < .001) and 17.4 (95% CI 5.0, 29.7, P = .007). The difference in percentage of residual joint step-offs at the postsurgical computed tomography in radioulnar, radioscaphoid, and radiolunate joints was not significant (P = .990, P = .538, and P = .063). Complications were similar between groups (16.9% vs 20.9%, P = .842).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant arthroscopy did not significantly improve PRWE score +1 year after surgery for DRF with VLP, although the statistical power of the study is below the initially estimated to detect the expected difference.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

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).

Outcomes of Volar Plating Distal Radius Fractures Based on Surgical Timing

BACKGROUND

While complexity of distal radius fractures varies, volar plating is the most prevalent surgical option in adult injuries. The time between date of injury and surgical intervention varies according to several factors, including the timing of presentation and the surgeon's availability. This study aims to understand the impact of a delay in surgical intervention on operative time, patient-reported outcomes, and reoperation rates.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients treated with volar plating of distal radius fractures from 2017 to 2020 at a single institution by multiple surgeons. Perioperative medical records were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups using a cut-off date of surgery performed 12 days after injury. Descriptive analyses were used to compare demographics, fracture characteristics, operative information, and outcome data including postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores and reoperation rates between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients were included. There was no difference in age, gender, smoking status, fracture type, or postoperative QuickDASH scores between groups. Patients fixed at 12 days or more after injury had a higher rate of reoperation, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and more surgeon experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Volar distal radius fixation at 12 or more days after injury had no discernible differences with fracture type, operative time, or tourniquet time; however, a higher rate of reoperation was found in this group compared to earlier intervention. These data may provide important prognostic information that can be used to educate patients who present in a delayed fashion.

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.

Pathomechanism of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries in Patients with Distal-Radius Fractures: A Magnetic-Resonance Imaging Study

Injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is one of the most common complications following a fracture of the distal radius. In this study, an examination of TFCC injuries in patients with distal-radius fractures was conducted using magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI); the aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of TFCC injury as well as to suggest acceptable radiologic parameters for use in prediction of the injury pattern. Fifty-eight patients with distal-radius fractures who underwent MRI prior to undergoing open-reduction surgery between April 2020 and July 2021 were included in this study. An analysis of various radiologic parameters, the fracture type, and the MRI classification of TFCC injuries was performed. Radiologic parameters were used in the evaluation of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), radial shortening, and the dorsal angularity of the fracture. All of the patients in this study had definite traumatic TFCC injuries. A statistical relationship was observed between the radial length gap between the intact wrist and the injured wrist, which represents relative radial shortening, and the pattern of TFCC injury. In conclusion, the shortening of the distal radius, causing peripheral soft tissue of the ulnar side to become tauter, is highly relevant with regard to the pattern of TFCC injury. However, because no data on the clinical outcome were utilized in this study, it is lacking in clinical perspective. The conduct of further studies on patients’ clinical outcome will be necessary.

The effect of distal radius fractures involving the distal radioulnar articular joint on forearm rotation

Background

The objective of this study was to predict the function of the forearm rotation on the basis of the articular surface of the sigmoid notch from three-dimensional reconstruction images.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent volar plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs) in our institution between January 2017 and July 2019. The 3D image of the sigmoid notch on the fractured distal radius was reconstructed and looked up from the ulnar view to determine the existence of gaps or steps. Patients with or without gaps/steps on the sigmoid notch were included in the case group or control group, respectively. The patients’ basic data and postoperative data were collected and compared.

Results

A total of 81 patients were included. There were 33 patients in the case group, and 48 patients in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. The total range of motion (ROM) of rotation in the case group and control group was 130.3 ± 6.2° and 145.3 ± 6.7°, respectively (P < 0.001). The percentage of rotation ROM of contralateral limb in the case group and control group was 72.3 ± 3.1% and 80.7 ± 3.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). VAS during forearm rotation was 2.1 ± 0.7 in the case group, which is significantly higher than that in the control group (1.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study proposed a new method to assess the articular surface of the sigmoid notch which is based on 3D reconstruction images. With the assistance of this method, we found that gaps or steps on the sigmoid notch not only limit forearm pronation rotation and supination rotation, but also cause apparent wrist pain during forearm rotation movement and poor wrist ability.

Arthroscopic treatment of chronic wrist pain after distal radius fractures

We report the arthroscopic and clinical findings of patients with chronic wrist pain following distal radius fracture (DRF) who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment.We retrospectively analyzed the records of 15 patients with chronic wrist pain following DRF, who underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment from 2010 to 2017. The average patient age was 44 years (range, 20-68 years), average time from injury to treatment 21 ± 23.46 months (range, 3-96 months) and average follow up period 20.13 ± 8.71 months (range, 12-39 months). The functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the preoperative and final follow up values of the range of motion, grip strength, pinch strength, visual analogue scale for pain and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score.Based on the arthroscopic findings, synovitis was found in all cases and the pathologic intra-articular lesions were classified into 4 patterns. Triangular fibrocartilage complex rupture was seen in 14 cases, intercarpal and radiocarpal ligament ruptures in 9 cases, ulnar impaction syndrome in 5 cases, and cartilage lesion in 9 cases. In terms of surgical treatment, 15 patients underwent arthroscopic synovectomy, 7 foveal or capsular repair of TFCC, 7 intercarpal Kirschner wires fixation or intercarpal thermal shrinkage, 1 intercarpal ligament reconstruction, 2 Sauve-Kapandji procedure, and 2 unlar shortening osteotomy. Postoperatively, the average range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength increased significantly. From preoperative to final follow up values, the average visual analogue scale and quick disabilities of the arm score decreased from 5.93 ± 1.58 (range, 3-8) to 1.33 ± 1.29 (range, 0-3) (P = .001) and from 49.38 ± 19.09 to 12.63 ± 7.63 (P = .001), respectively.Diagnostic arthroscopy and arthroscopically-assisted tailored treatment of chronic wrist pain following DRF can provide an accurate diagnosis, significant pain relief, and functional improvement.

Quick Arthroscopic Repair of Ulnar-Sided Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: Technical Note

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears can cause ulnar-sided wrist pain. Arthroscopy is important in treatment and diagnosis, and arthroscopic repair of TFCC tears is indicated after failure of nonsurgical treatments such as cast immobilization, splinting, and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for more than 3 months. Several arthroscopic procedures have been described, including inside-out, outside-in, and all-arthroscopic techniques. However, these arthroscopic procedures are time-consuming and technically demanding. This article presents a straightforward technique of arthroscopic inside-out repair that uses double-loop sutures for ulnar-sided TFCC tears.

Prevalence of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in patients with distal radius fractures: a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging study

Objective

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries as shown by 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with distal radius fractures.

Methods

In total, 57 patients with distal radius fractures underwent 3.0T MRI examinations to observe the incidence of TFCC injuries after manual reduction and cast fixation. The fracture type was categorized by the AO classification, and the TFCC injury pattern was evaluated using the Palmer classification. The correlation between the location of the TFCC injury and the distal radius fracture pattern, distal radioulnar joint instability, or ulnar styloid fracture was analyzed.

Results

Fifty-five TFCC injuries were diagnosed. There was no significant relationship between the TFCC injury pattern and the type of distal radius fracture, distal radioulnar joint instability, or ulnar styloid fracture.

Conclusions

This study revealed a high prevalence of TFCC injuries in patients with distal radius fractures. The 3.0T MRI examination helps to assess TFCC injuries in patients with distal radius fractures.

Clinical Trial Registration

ChiCTR1800017101.

Arthroscopic Evaluation of Associated Soft Tissue Injuries in Distal Radius Fractures

The best outcome in distal radius fractures is achieved if anatomy is restored, in particular the intra-articular congruity. This is achieved partly with improved fixation, such as using volar locking plates, and partly by using an arthroscopy-assisted reduction and fixation technique. In addition to improving the intra-articular congruity, associated ligament and chondral injuries can be detected and treated. This article outlines various associated injuries with suggested management in a stepwise fashion. It is hoped that overall outcomes will be improved once patient-related and treatment-related factors have been evaluated and previously undetected associated ligament injuries have been found and treated.

Distal radioulnar joint: functional anatomy, including pathomechanics

The distal radioulnar joint allows the human to rotate the forearm to place the hand in a desired position to perform different tasks, without interfering with the grasping function of the hand. The ulna is the stable part of the forearm around which the radius rotates; the stability of the distal radioulnar joint is provided by the interaction between ligaments, muscles and bones. The stabilizing structures are the triangular fibrocartilage complex, the ulnocarpal ligament complex, the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and tendon sheath, the pronator quadratus, the interosseous membrane and ligament, the bone itself and the joint capsule. The purpose of this review article is to present and illustrate the current understanding of the functional anatomy and pathomechanics of this joint.

The correlation of initial radiographic characteristics of distal radius fractures and injuries of the triangular fibrocartilage complex

Our purpose was to determine the correlation of initial radiographic parameters of a distal radius fracture with an injury of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. In a prospective study, 85 patients with surgically treated distal radius fractures were included. Wrist arthroscopy was used to identify and classify triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions. The initial radial length and angulation, dorsal angulation, ulnar variance and distal radioulnar distance were measured. Wrist arthroscopy identified a triangular fibrocartilage complex lesion in 45 patients. Statistical analysis did not identify a correlation with any single radiographic parameter of the distal radius fractures with the associated triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries. The initial radiograph of a distal radius fracture does not predict a triangular fibrocartilage complex injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Surgical treatment of acute distal radioulnar joint instability associated with distal radius fractures

This study investigates the question of whether open repair of acute distal radioulnar joint instability at the time of volar plating of distal radius fractures would enable early mobilization of the wrist without the risk of distal radioulnar joint instability. We evaluated 29 patients of mean age 53 years with a distal radius fracture and acute distal radioulnar joint instability who underwent volar plating of the radius combined with surgical repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex or an ulnar styloid base fracture, followed by active motion exercise of the wrist at 1 week after surgery. At 1 year after treatment, all patients had a stable distal radioulnar joint and grip strength averaged 90% of the normal side. This study demonstrates that surgical repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex or ulnar styloid fracture followed by early mobilization did not result in distal radioulnar joint instability, and suggests that the surgical treatment of distal radioulnar joint instability may permit early mobilization of the wrist in patients who are considered suitable for rapid rehabilitation after surgery. Type of study: Therapeutic Level IV.

Supination and Pronation Strength Deficits Persist at 2-4 Years after Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Forearm rotation is a key function in the upper extremity. Following distal radius fracture, residual disability may occur in tasks requiring forearm rotation. The objectives of this study are to define pronation and supination strength profiles tested through the range of forearm rotation in normal individuals, and to evaluate the rotational strength profiles and rotational strength deficits across the testing range in a cohort of patients treated for distal radius fracture associated with an ulnar styloid base fracture. In a normative cohort of 29 subjects the supination strength profile showed an increasing linear relationship from supination to pronation. Twelve subjects were evaluated 2-4 years after anatomical open reduction and volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture. The injured wrist was consistently weaker (corrected for hand dominance) in both supination and pronation strength in all testing positions, with the greatest loss in 60 degrees supination. Mean supination strength loss across all testing positions was significantly correlated with worse PRWE scores, highlighting the importance of supination in wrist function.

Intramedullary nail versus volar plate fixation of extra-articular distal radius fractures. Two year results of a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary techniques for stabilization of displaced distal radius fractures are now available. Purported benefits include limited soft tissue dissection while affording sufficient stability to allow early wrist motion. The primary null hypothesis of this randomized trial is that there is no significant difference with respect to functional outcome, pain and disability between patients treated with either 2.4-mm volar locking plate fixation or intramedullary nail fixation of unstable dorsally displaced extra-articular fractures of the distal radius.

METHODS

We conducted a single-centre, parallel-group trial, with unrestricted randomization. Patients with dorsally displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures were randomized to receive volar locking plate (n=72) fixation or intramedullary nailing (n=80). The outcome was measured on the basis of the Gartland and Werley and Castaing score; the pain level; the range of wrist motion; the rate of complications; and radiographic measurements including volar tilt and ulnar variance. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed at 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after the operation.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between groups in terms of range of motion, grip strength or the level of pain during the entire follow-up period (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between treatment groups with respect to volar tilt or ulnar variance (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the complication rate between groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports the view that intramedullary nail fixation and volar plate fixation for the treatment of displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures have equivalent radiographic and functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I therapeutic study.