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Arthroscopic treatment for ulnar-sided TFCC-tears

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Ruptures of ulnar-sided triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) often occur in cases of trauma. Golden standard for diagnosis is the arthroscopy of the wrist. TFCC lesions are classified according to their location if traumatic in origin or if degenerative according to their severity.

Materials and methods

Recent literature has focused on the ruptures of ulnar-sided triangular fibrocartilaginous complex. This article describes conservative, operative and arthroscopic surgical techniques to reconstruct the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex and restore distal radioulnar joint stability.

Results

The main therapeutic goal should be the stabilization of the DRUJ by reattachment of the torn ligaments in ulnar-sided ruptures to the deep fibers in the fovea. This reinsertion can be performed by transosseous suture, a suture anchor or open.

Conclusion

Central TFCC tears are typically located close to the sigmoid notch of the radius and are either traumatic or degenerative in origin. While central TFCC lesions are usually treated by arthroscopic debridement using small joint punches or a bipolar high frequency system, the ulnar TFCC avulsions can also be refixed arthroscopically in different techniques.

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Conflict of interest

Lijo Mannil, Wolfgang Martin, Janosch Dahmen, Thomas Witte, Philip Juten, Frauke Deneken, Martin Räder and Heinz-Herbert Homann declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Hand Trauma Center (FESSH), Center of Severe Burns, BG Unfallklinik Duisburg GmbH, Duisburg, Germany

    L. Mannil, T. Witte, P. G. Juten, F. Deneken, M. Räder & H. H. Homann

  2. Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Duisburg GmbH, Duisburg, Germany

    W. Martin & J. Dahmen

Authors
  1. L. Mannil
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  2. W. Martin
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  3. J. Dahmen
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  4. T. Witte
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  5. P. G. Juten
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  6. F. Deneken
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  7. M. Räder
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  8. H. H. Homann
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Correspondence to L. Mannil.

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Mannil, L., Martin, W., Dahmen, J. et al. Arthroscopic treatment for ulnar-sided TFCC-tears. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 42, 29–35 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-015-0593-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-015-0593-x

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