Evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex tears by arthroscopy, arthrography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Arthroscopic findings in 11 patients with chronic ulnar painful wrist were compared both with arthrographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results to evaluate the accuracy of the former procedure in the detection of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions. MR imaging and arthrography investigations appeared to be sensitive modalities when compared with arthroscopic findings in TFCC lesions (specificity 100%; sensitivity 82 and 80%). MR imaging can be advantageously employed in the screening of patients suspected of having a TFCC tear, eliminating the necessity of an arthrographic examination. However, MR imaging could not define the exact site of the tear within the degenerate TFCC or detect lesions of the articular cartilage. Arthroscopy offers sure evidence of the site of TFCC lesion and more information about the intraarticular associated causes of chronic ulnar wrist pain such as chondromalacia and synovitis. An added benefit is that many of the pathologies seen can be treated using arthroscopic surgical techniques.