Editorial Commentary: Outcomes of Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair: Can We Predict Who Will Benefit or Not?

Abstract

The arthroscopic repair of avulsed triangular fibrocartilage complex generally demonstrates a satisfactory outcome after ruling out additional combined pathologies for ulnar-sided wrist pain. Previous studies have reported that 10% to 20% of patients complain of dissatisfaction with this surgical treatment, suggesting that it is not effective for all patients. Several prognostic factors for poor outcomes such as female gender, chronicity, baseline functional state, and reduced pronator quadratus muscle mass have been proposed. Transosseus foveal repair may be particularly beneficial in chronic cases compared with capsular repair, enhancing the healing rate between the scarred end of the triangular fibrocartilage complex and the bone with greater mechanical strength. However, unaccounted patient variables in uncontrolled small cases series could significantly complicate and confound the point of care application of the findings, and thus larger comprehensive studies are required to confirm these results.