Anatomical and Radiological Evaluation of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex of the Wrist

Abstract

109 wrists from 69 cadavers (mean age 74 years) have been studied to clarify the pathology and morphology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and to correlate pathological and radiological findings. Perforation of the TFCC was observed in 65% of the specimens and was considered to be secondary to a degenerative process, because it was often accompanied by degenerative changes in the ulnar carpal bones and perforation of the lunotriquetral ligament. To detect TFCC perforations on plain postero-anterior radiographs, it is important to evaluate ulnar plus variance and degenerative changes in the ulnar carpus. Existence of ulnar plus variance alone is more sensitive but less specific in detection of TFCC perforation than the existence of degenerative changes in the ulnar carpus.