ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of anatomical repair of Atzei-EWAS type 2 triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury under wrist arthroscopy. MethodsBetween March 2018 and March 2020, 16 patients with Atzei-EWAS type 2 TFCC injury were admitted, and the TFCCs were anatomically repaired with a three-dimensional suture with a thread anchor under wrist arthroscopy. There were 10 males and 6 females with an average of 40.2 years (range, 22-54 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 9 months (mean, 6.4 months). Preoperative grip strength of the affected limb was (20.06±3.38) kg, wrist range of motion in flexion and extension was (117.19±7.74)°, radial-ulnar deviation was (31.25±5.32)°, forearm rotation range of motion was (137.19±14.83)°, visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.6±1.2. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by the grip strength of the affected limb, the range of motion of the wrist joint, the VAS score, and the modified Mayo wrist score. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. One case had paralysis of the dorsal branch of the ulnar nerve after operation, and no other complications occurred in other cases. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14.5 months). The distal radioulnar joint stability of all patients recovered. At last follow-up, the grip strength of the affected limb was (24.88±3.26) kg, the range of motion in flexion and extension was (146.59±6.49)°, radial-ulnar deviation was (39.38±6.55)°, and forearm rotation range of motion was (152.50±11.55)°, which were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05); the VAS score was 0.9±0.8, which was significantly lower than that before operation (t=21.029, P=0.000). The modified Mayo wrist score was rated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case. The excellent and good rate was 93.8%. MRI results showed that TFCC healed in all cases. ConclusionFor Atzei-EWAS type 2 TFCC injury, anatomical repair under wrist arthroscopy can restore the anatomical structure of TFCC, effectively relieve wrist pain, improve function, and obtain good effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of three-dimentional (3D) printed personalized guide plate to assist wrist arthroscopic repair for Palmer type IB triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 20 patients with Palmer type IB TFCC injuries admitted between January 2023 and March 2024 who met the selection criteria. Among them, 13 were male and 7 were female; ages ranged from 23 to 35 years, with a mean age of 30.3 years. All patients had a history of trauma, 12 cases involved falls and 8 cases involved sprains. All patients demonstrated a positive “piano key sign”. MRI revealed deep ulnar-side tears of the TFCC. Conservative treatment for 6 weeks yielded poor or no clinical improvement. The interval from injury to surgery ranged from 2 to 9 months, with a mean of 5.0 months. Patients underwent wrist arthroscopic repair assisted by 3D printed personalized guide plate. Functional recovery was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, modified Mayo wrist score, and range of motion (ROM) measurements for wrist flexion-extension, ulnar-radial deviation, and pronation-supination. At last follow-up, MRI was performed to evaluate the healing of TFCC. Results All 20 patients underwent successful surgery without complications such as vascular or nerve injury, fracture, incisional infection, or joint stiffness. All patients were followed up 9-18 months (mean, 12.4 months). At last follow-up, patients demonstrated significant improvements in VAS scores, modified Mayo wrist scores, palmar flexion-dorsiflexion ROM, ulnar deviation-radial deviation ROM, and pronation-supination ROM compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05). MRI at last follow-up showed preserved TFCC continuity, excellent healing, and secure fixation. Conclusion 3D-printed personalized guide plate significantly improve outcomes in wrist arthroscopic TFCC repair for Palmer type ⅠB injuries. They enable high-quality suturing, facilitate anatomical reconstruction, and markedly enhance wrist function.