Arthrographic surface anatomy of the carpal triangular fibrocartilage complex

In a review of 364 radiocarpal and 123 distal radioulnar joint arthrograms we identified 44 (12%) patients with contrast defects at either the proximal or distal surface of the carpal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Differences in their arthrographic characteristics distinguished two separate groups of patients; one with similar and another with dissimilar appearing TFCC surface contrast collections. Thirty-one of our 44 patients had similar appearing, isolated radial-sided collections at either the proximal or distal TFCC surfaces. Our arthrographic, demographic, and historical study of these patients suggests that the collections are not caused by traumatic partial TFCC tears but represent a normal anatomic variant, probably a synovial recess at the radial TFCC attachment. Arthrography and dissection of a limited number of cadaveric specimens confirmed this conclusion. The second group included the remaining 13 patients. This group had contrast collections at either the proximal or distal TFCC surface, which varied in location and appearance. This smaller group is more likely to represent those uncommon patients with partial TFCC defects caused by tears.