New trends in arthroscopic management of type 1-B TFCC injuries with DRUJ instability

Abstract

Advances in radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) diagnostic arthroscopy permits a treatment-oriented classification of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) peripheral tears: 1) repairable distal tears; 2) repairable complete tears; 3) repairable proximal tears; 4) non-repairable tears; and 5) tears associated with DRUJ arthritis. Class 1 tears should be sutured; Class 2 and 3 are associated with DRUJ instability and require TFCC reattachment to the fovea; Class 4 tears need reconstruction using a tendon graft and Class 5 tears require an arthroplasty. Arthroscopic assisted TFCC foveal reattachment is possible through the direct foveal portal, a dedicated DRUJ working portal. Arthroscopic TFCC reconstruction using a tendon graft showed promising results.