Midterm Results of Arthroscopy-Assisted "Tent Form" Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair With Dorsal Distal Radioulnar Joint Capsule Imbrication for Posttraumatic Chronic Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of "tent form" triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair combined with dorsal distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) capsule imbrication for posttraumatic chronic DRUJ instability.

METHODS

All patients treated with arthroscopic "tent form" TFCC repair and DRUJ capsule imbrication from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were symptomatic chronic DRUJ instability for >6 months and dorsal DRUJ subluxation on magnetic resonance imaging. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, grip strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Score, range of motion, and distal radioulnar joint stability were assessed for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included in the final analysis. The average follow-up duration was 35.6 months (range, 24-48 months). The 24-month postoperative grip strengths and 3-dimensional motions of wrist were not significantly different from that of the nonoperated wrist. Compared with their preoperative status, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, and Modified Mayo Wrist Score indicated the significant improvement with P values of .001, .001, and .002, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronic DRUJ instability with a loosening dorsal capsule, "tent form" TFCC transcapsular repair combined with DRUJ capsule imbrication restored the integrity of TFCC and dorsal DRUJ capsule and achieved a promising outcome. We recommend this procedure as an option of treatment for patients with posttraumatic chronic DRUJ instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.