Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Treatment for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Lesions in Adolescent Elite Athletes.

Objectives

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is critical for wrist stability. The incidence of TFCC injury among adolescent athletes is rising due to increased participation in high-demand sports. Here, we investigated the therapeutic outcomes of arthroscopic TFCC repair in adolescent elite athletes.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 24 elite adolescent athletes (mean age 15.5 ± 1.3 years) treated arthroscopically for peripheral TFCC tears between March 2018 and January 2025. Clinical outcomes-including numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain, grip strength, wrist range of motion (ROM), DASH scores, and physical exam tests-were collected preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical comparisons.

Results

At 6 months postoperatively, the mean NRS decreased from 6.9 ± 1.2 to 0.6 ± 0.7, grip strength increased from 26.3 ± 6.9 kg to 40.8 ± 5.6 kg, and all measured ROMs and DASH scores improved significantly. Positive findings on ballottement, Waiter's, and piano key tests decreased significantly. There were no major complications. All athletes returned to their pre-injury sport levels.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic peripheral TFCC repair in adolescent elite athletes is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment, leading to rapid pain relief, functional recovery, and return to sport with their pre-injury sport levels.