TFCC lesions. Diagnosis and therapy.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand and Wrist Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) lesions can stem from degenerative processes or post-traumatic injuries.
• These injuries affect the distal radioulnar joint and ulnocarpal joint, causing characteristic ulnar-sided wrist pain, particularly during forearm rotation.
• Treatment strategies are contingent upon the severity of the TFCC lesion and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of wrist arthroscopy for TFCC lesions.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of ulnar shortening osteotomy as a secondary treatment option for TFCC injuries.
• To underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored therapy for TFCC-related wrist pain.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for TFCC lesions.
• Emphasis on the role of wrist arthroscopy in identifying lesion extent and guiding treatment.
• Analysis of outcomes following ulnar shortening osteotomy in cases of failed initial arthroscopic intervention.

Main Results:

• Wrist arthroscopy serves as a valuable tool for diagnosing TFCC lesions and facilitating appropriate treatment.
• Ulnar shortening osteotomy significantly reduces ulnar load, offering a viable solution when arthroscopic therapy proves insufficient.
• Successful management of TFCC injuries requires consideration of lesion grade and associated conditions.

Conclusions:

• Wrist arthroscopy is a key diagnostic and therapeutic modality for TFCC injuries.
• Ulnar shortening osteotomy is an effective intervention for reducing ulnar load after failed arthroscopic treatment of TFCC lesions.
• Comprehensive management of ulnar-sided wrist pain involves accurate TFCC lesion assessment and appropriate surgical selection.