Arthroscopic Treatment of Bucket-Handle Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury

J Hand Surg Glob Online. 2021 Aug 11;3(6):352-355. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2021.07.002. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Bucket-handle injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex is a rare and poorly described condition in the literature that is not included in the Palmer classification. A young man presented with right wrist torsional trauma while playing sports. He progressed with local pain and limited range of motion with a supination block. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bucket-handle injury to the central portion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex with a volar flap, measuring 0.6 cm × 0.6 cm. The patient underwent wrist arthroscopy with debridement, removal of a loose body, and resection of the bucket-handle lesion. In the postoperative period, pain alleviation and a considerable gain in range of motion occurred. The patient was able to resume his participation in sporting activities 3 months after surgery. There is no consensus about the treatment of bucket-handle injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex because of the small number of cases described in the literature.

Keywords: Bucket-handle tear; Triangular fibrocartilage complex; Wrist arthroscopy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports