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International Orthopaedics
Published in: International Orthopaedics 8/2018

01-08-2018 | Original Paper

The status of triangular fibrocartilage complex after the union of distal radius fractures with internal plate fixation

Authors: Margaret Woon Man Fok, Christian Xinshuo Fang, Tak Wing Lau, Yin Keung Eric Fung, Boris Kwok Keung Fung, Frankie Ka Li Leung

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 8/2018

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Abstract

Purpose

Distal radius fractures are associated with a high incidence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. This study aims to evaluate the status of TFCC after the healing of distal radius fractures, and its clinical significance.

Methods

Wrist arthroscopies were performed on 43 distal radius fractures, with an average age of 54 years old.

Results

Twenty-six complete tears and 15 partial healed tears were noted. Five out of eight patients with intact TFCC tears had neither signs nor symptoms, while eight patients with TFCC tears had no complaint. While no association was found between ulnar wrist pain and TFCC tears, there was association between DRUJ instability and TFCC tears and fovea tears. The function outcome did not differ with respect to the integrity of TFCC.

Conclusions

A large majority of TFCC tears remained unhealed after the union of distal radius fractures. However, not all patients with tear were symptomatic.
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Metadata
Title
The status of triangular fibrocartilage complex after the union of distal radius fractures with internal plate fixation
Authors
Margaret Woon Man Fok
Christian Xinshuo Fang
Tak Wing Lau
Yin Keung Eric Fung
Boris Kwok Keung Fung
Frankie Ka Li Leung
Publication date
01-08-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 8/2018
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-3793-2

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