Outcomes after arthroscopic debridement for irreparable triangular fibrocartilage tear | ||
The Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal | ||
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 October 2025 | ||
Document Type: Original Article | ||
DOI: 10.21608/eoj.2025.421021.1082 | ||
Authors | ||
Islam Koriem1; Abdelrahman Eldiasty1; Mohamed Abas Elbishbishi1; Hassan Abdel Hamid Abdel Fattah* 2 | ||
1orthopaedic surgery, Ain Shams University | ||
2Orthopaedic surgery, Ain Shams University | ||
Abstract | ||
Abstract Introduction To assess the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement in subjects with irreparable triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears without distal radioulnar joint instability or significant ulnar variance. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted on 20 subjects (12 males; mean age 38 ± 12 years) who underwent arthroscopic debridement for symptomatic TFCC tears between 2018 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were MRI- or arthroscopy-confirmed triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, failure of ≥3 months of conservative therapy, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Central and radial-sided Palmer type 1A, 1B, or 2C lesions were included. Outcomes assessed included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, Visual Analog Scale for pain, grip strength, range of motion, complications, and patient satisfaction. Results Quick Disabilities score improved from 68 ± 12 preoperatively to 18 ± 8 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Visual Analog Scale pain decreased from 7.8 ± 1.2 to 1.4 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001). Grip strength elevated from 58% ± 15% to 86% ± 12% of the contralateral side (p = 0.002). Range of motion (ROM) significantly improved in flexion, extension, pronation, and supination (all p < 0.05). At final follow-up, 18 cases(90%) reported excellent or good satisfaction, while 16 (80%) regained ≥90% of functional range of motion. Complications occurred in 4 patients (20%), all of which resolved or were managed conservatively. Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement is an effective and safe procedure for selected cases with stable, irreparable TFCC tears. | ||
Keywords | ||
Triangular fibrocartilage complex; Arthroscopic debridement; irreparable tears | ||
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