Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Novel Triple-Loop Technique for Suturing TFCC Injuries without Transosseous Tunnel
Published on: May 23, 2025
The Influence of Early Gymnastic Exposure on the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex in the Adolescent Wrist
Anne-Sophie van der Post1,2, Sjoerd Jens3, Laura S Kox1,2
1Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the correlation between central triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) thickness and ulnar variance (UV) in adolescent asymptomatic gymnasts.
Methods:
This retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort selected 12-18 years old asymptomatic gymnasts and healthy controls from the Physeal MRI study, which is a single-center study on physeal injury that included gymnasts with wrist pain, asymptomatic gymnasts and healthy nongymnasts from June 2015 until November 2017. A standardized scoring form was used for assessment of TFCC morphology on MRI. Bone age and UV were determined on radiographs. TFCC morphology was assessed on 3T MRI and categorized. Statistical differences between groups were calculated using a chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated between central TFC thickness and calendar/bone age, UV, height, and weight. Correlations were interpreted as poor (≤0.20), fair (0.21-0.40), moderate (0.41-0.60), substantial (0.61-0.80), and excellent (0.81-1.00). Multiple linear regression was performed to determine predictors of central TFC thickness.
Results:
Forty-one adolescents (23 nongymnasts, 18 gymnasts, median age 14 years, 21 female) were included. No differences were found in TFCC appearance. Correlations between central TFC thickness and UV were substantial in both groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that UV and bone age together were significant predictors for central TFC thickness in nongymnasts (P < .001). However central TFC thickness could not be predicted by UV and bone age in gymnasts.
Conclusions:
Early gymnastic exposure does not influence TFCC appearance on MRI. However, a misbalance between central TFC thickness and UV appears to exist for adolescent gymnasts and this should be taken into consideration when assessing gymnastic wrist injury.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Diagnostic III.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:10Ankle Joint
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue