Editorial Commentary: Guidelines for Wrist Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tears: A Compass for a Broad Voyage

Arthroscopy. 2021 May;37(5):1651-1653. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.01.019. Epub 2021 Jan 22.

Abstract

The ulnar head attachment of triangular fibrocartilage complex is divided into 2 sections: the distal radioulnar ligament consists of superficial and deep bundles on both the palmar and dorsal sides, which attach at the fovea and the base of the ulnar styloid. A tear on the ulnar side of triangular fibrocartilage complex inevitably occurs at these attachments. Both magnetic resonance imaging and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroscopy are crucial. DRUJ arthroscopy can clarify the tear location. An ulnar styloid tear can be treated by capsular repair. However, a foveal tear should be reattached to the fovea because this tear could cause gross DRUJ instability. There are several ways to reattach the bundles to the fovea, including single- or double-tunnel or bone anchors, and open versus arthroscopic.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability* / surgery
  • Triangular Fibrocartilage* / surgery
  • Wrist
  • Wrist Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist Injuries* / surgery
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist Joint / surgery