[Ulnodorsal impingement syndrome: meniscus lesions of the wrist].

In a consecutive series of 166 wrist arthroscopies, a lesion of the meniscus was found in 16 patients. All of them complained of ulnar wrist pain evoked by axial load in extension. 14 patients had previous wrist trauma. The preoperative physical examination showed marked ulnodorsal tenderness on palpation and the examiner could feel crepitation by passive motion in the radial-ulnar direction. The meniscus represents a part of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). At this time it is not possible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate between articular disc and meniscus lesion. In contrast the two structures are clearly identifiable by arthroscopy especially if there is a radial tear through the meniscus or even a complete avulsion from its insertion on the palmar aspect of the triquetrum. The avulsed part of the meniscus can prolapse into the ulnocarpal joint, causing an impingement phenomenon.