Arthroscopically-Assisted Foveal Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: Anchor Fixation versus Trans Osseous Tunnel – A Comparative Study
Authors: Azócar Camila , Cifras José Luis , Montenegro Diego , Barros Tomás , Jara Hernán , Liendo Rodrigo 
Published: June 2022

Introduction The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) plays a fundamental role in the stability of the wrist, and its foveal insertion is the primary structure that performs this function. Surgical repair of the CFCT is challenging given the complexity of the anatomical structures, and arthroscopically-assisted reinsertion has shown certain benefits. The most commonly used techniques are reinsertion with anchors (RAs) and transosseous tunnels (TOs).

Objective To compare the functional results of patients with acute foveal lesion of the CFCT operated through RAs versus TOs, both with arthroscopic assistance.

Materials and methods A retrospective, observational study of patients operated on for foveal disinsertion of the TFCC. We included patients older than 18 years of age, with a traumatic history and conservative treatment lsting 3 months, with persistent pain and arthro-computed tomography (arthroCT) compatible with foveal disinsertion of the TFCC. Patients treated with the RA technique versus TOs were compared, both with arthroscopic assistance. The variables studied were pain during load according to the visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo score, and ranges of motion of the wrist. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results We included 24 patients (11 in the RAs group and 13 in the TOs group) With an average age of 28.5 years, 58% of whom were male, without statistically significant differences between the groups. In the whole sample, a decrease in pain of 4.33 points (standard deviation [SD]: 1.16) on the VAS was found, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.98). The Mayo score improved in both groups, with an average of 30.09 points (SD: 0.94) in the RAs group, and 31.92 points (SD: 1.32) in the TOs group, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0004). Flexion-extension increased by 5.2° (SD: 2.3°) in the RAs group, and by 6.9° (SD: 1.32°) in the TOs group, and this difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.01). Pronation improved by 15.9° (SD: 1.7°) in the RAs group, and by 15.8° (SD: 1.72°) in the TOs group, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.46), and supination improved by 17.09° (SD: 2.46°) in the RAs group, and by 17.5° (SD: 1.61°) in the TOs group, which was statistically significant (p = 0.004).

The mean duration of ischemia was of 34.2 minutes (SD: 4.36 minutes) in the TOs group, and of 78.9 minutes (SD: 9.39 minutes) in the RAs group, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.000).

Discussion In the surgery for foveal reinsertion of the TFCC, both the techniques with anchors and with TOs, are effective in reducing load-bearing pain, improving the ranges of motion of the joints and the functional score. Although we found statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the Mayo score, flexion-extension and supination, these do not exceed the minimally-significant clinical differences.

Conclusion Both techniques are effective in reducing weight bearing pain and improving function and range of motion of the wrist. TO surgery has a significantly shorter ischemia time than RA surgery.