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Results for “Triangular Fibrocartilage”

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At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

What happens to the triangular fibrocartilage complex during pronation and supination of the forearm? Analysis of its morphology and diagnostic assessment with MR arthrography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic morphologic changes of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) during pronation and supination of the forearm using high-resolution MR arthrography in cadavers and to evaluate the impact of these changes on the diagnostic assessment of the normal and abnormal TFCC. DESIGN AND SPECIMENS: High-resolution MR arthrography of 10 wrists of cadaveric specimens was obtained in maximum pronation, in the neutral position, and in maximum supination of the forearm. The structures of the TFCC were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists and correlated with anatomic sections. The position of the forearm that allowed the best visualization of normal structures and lesions of the TFCC was determined. RESULTS: The shape and extent of the articular disc as well as the radial portions of the radioulnar ligaments did not change with pronation and supination. The articular disc was horizontal in the neutral position and tilted more distally to align with the proximal carpal row in pronation and supination. The fibers of the ulnar part of the radioulnar ligaments (ulnar attachment of the articular disc) revealed the most significant changes: their orientation was coronal in the neutral position and sagittal in positions of pronation and supination. The ulnomeniscal homologue was largest in the neutral position and was reduced in size during pronation and supination. The extensor carpi ulnaris tendon was centered in its groove in the neutral position and pronation. In supination this tendon revealed subluxation from this groove. The dorsal capsule of the distal radioulnar joint was taut in pronation, and the palmar capsule was taut in supination. The preferred forearm position for analysis of most of the structures of the TFCC was the neutral position, followed by the pronated position. The neutral position was rated best for the detection of ulnar and radial detachments of the TFCC, followed by the pronated position, except for two central perforations of the TFCC which were best seen with supination. CONCLUSION: The articular disc and the surrounding radial portions of the radioulnar ligaments form a rigid, unified complex with the radius without change in their shape in positions of pronation and supination of the forearm, while the ulnar attachment of the TFCC shows important dynamic changes. The neutral forearm position is the best position to analyze both the normal and the abnormal TFCC.

Arthrography↗

PubMed1997

Ulna-shortening osteotomy after failed arthroscopic debridement of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Over a 4-year period, 160 wrist arthroscopies were performed at 1 institution. Ninety-seven patients had central or nondetached ulnar peripheral tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). All these patients underwent debridement with an arthroscopic shaver. Thirteen of the 97 had persistent pain in the TFCC region for more than 3 months after surgery. At an average of 8 months after failed arthroscopic debridement of the TFCC, all 13 patients underwent a 2-mm-long ulna-shortening osteotomy with fixation by a 3.5-mm 6-hole dynamic compression plate. At follow-up examination (an average of 2.3 years later), 12 of the 13 had complete relief of pain at the ulnar side of the wrist. One patient continued to complain of pain with moderate to heavy activity use of her hand. Four of the 13 had postoperative complications: 1 had traumatic pull-out of the screws requiring reinsertion and distal radius bone graft, 1 had nonunion at 4 months after surgery that required iliac crest bone graft, and 2 had pain necessitation hardware removal. All 4 of these patients had no further problems at final follow-up evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference between the arthroscopic debridement alone cohort and the arthroscopy/ulna-shortening subgroup relative to ulnar variance or incidence of associated lunotriquetral ligament tears. On the basis of these findings the authors recommend a 2-mm-long ulna-shortening osteotomy for patients whose previous arthroscopic debridement for central or nondetached peripheral TFCC was unsuccessful in eliminating ulnar-sided wrist pain.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Mechanoreceptors and nerve endings of the triangular fibrocartilage in the human wrist.

PURPOSE: To increase our understanding of the mechanism of pain and the sensation of wrist instability by studying the distribution of the mechanoreceptors in the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC). METHODS: The distribution and density of the nerve endings were investigated in 34 TFC specimens obtained from human cadavers. We studied the dorsal, palmar, ulnar, radial, and central areas after staining by a modified gold chloride technique. RESULTS: The free nerve endings, responsible for sensing pain, predominate in the ulnar and dorsal areas. The Vater-Pacini corpuscles predominate in the radial and dorsal area, promoting perception of the onset or cessation of movement and mechanical stress change. The Golgi-Mazzoni corpuscles were more frequent in the ulnar and ventral areas, linking these areas to function of slow adaptation and sensation of extreme movements. The proprioceptive function receptors were found in all areas of TFC because Ruffini corpuscles have homogeneous distribution in this fibrocartilaginous tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the nerve endings were distributed at the periphery of TFC and showed different concentrations of each type of mechanoreceptors per topographic area, suggesting that they play specific roles in the proprioceptive and nociceptive reflexes of the wrist.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

The triangular fibrocartilage complex: an important component of the pulley for the ulnar wrist extensor.

The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon is the only wrist motor tendon that broadly connects with the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) of the wrist. The goal of this study was to determine the biomechanical effect of the TFCC on the function of the ECU. The effect of avulsion of the TFCC on the changes in mechanics of the ulnar wrist extensor tendon was investigated in 8 fresh-frozen cadaver forearms. Excursion of the ECU tendon was continuously recorded over the functional range of wrist extension and ulnar deviation in intact wrists, wrists with ulnar styloid fractures, wrists with TFCC release from the distal ulna, and after excising the distal ECU tendon sheath. The ECU tendon demonstrated a 30% increase in excursion during wrist extension after release of the TFCC from its attachment on the distal ulna. During 60 degrees of wrist extension, excursion of the ECU tendon was 4.8+/-1.9 mm in the intact wrists and 6.3+/-2.0 mm after TFCC release. This change in excursion represented 1.4 mm of bowstringing for the ECU tendon during 60 degrees of wrist extension. Further incision of the distal part of the extensor sheath produced only 6% increase in excursion of the ECU. Results of this study suggest that the TFCC is an important component of the pulley for the ulnar wrist extensor. These findings imply that disturbance of the wrist extensor after TFCC injury may potentially contribute to abnormal loading and force transmission through the ulnar wrist and the TFCC, and support the growing consensus that integrity of the TFCC should be restored in the presence of TFCC injuries.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

The effect of observer experience on magnetic resonance imaging interpretation and localization of triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions.

This study investigates the effect of experience of the interpreter on the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the presence and anatomic location of a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesion. Fifty-one patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy with preoperative MRI studies were reviewed retrospectively. Two radiologists with different levels of training and experience evaluated the MRI scans in a blinded manner. The sensitivity rates of the 2 observers for detection of TFCC lesions were 86% and 80%. The specificity rates were 96% and 80%. The accuracy rates for prediction of a TFCC tear were 83% and 61% for the 2 observers. The correct location of a TFCC lesion was predicted by the more experienced observer for 12 of 19 central, 3 of 4 radial, and 6 of 12 peripheral lesions. The less experienced observer correctly identified 8 of 19 central, 2 of 4 radial, and 2 of 12 peripheral tears. The overall accuracy rates for prediction of a TFCC lesion and its location were 69% and 37%. Our data indicate that the published accuracy rates for prediction of TFCC lesion location may be reproducible only in very specialized centers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Triangular fibrocartilage and intercarpal ligaments of the wrist: MR imaging. Cadaveric study with gross pathologic and histologic correlation.

To provide further understanding of the magnetic resonance (MR) signal intensities in the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) and interosseous ligaments of the wrist, the authors performed MR imaging with gross pathologic and histologic analysis in 10 cadaveric wrists. Spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted coronal images were obtained, and 3-mm coronal sections of the specimens were then made that correlated precisely with the MR images. Normal portions of the TFC showed asymmetrical bow tie-like low signal intensity, except near the radial and ulnar attachments. Degeneration of the TFC, present in all cases, was more severe on the proximal surface and was characterized by high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and less high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. These findings differed from those in TFC perforation, which showed high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Similar signal intensity characteristics could allow differentiation of degeneration and perforation of the scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments. These findings suggest that in vivo MR imaging may accurately delineate degeneration and perforation of the TFC and intercarpal ligaments.

Cadaver↗

PubMed1988

Arthrographic surface anatomy of the carpal triangular fibrocartilage complex.

In a review of 364 radiocarpal and 123 distal radioulnar joint arthrograms we identified 44 (12%) patients with contrast defects at either the proximal or distal surface of the carpal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Differences in their arthrographic characteristics distinguished two separate groups of patients; one with similar and another with dissimilar appearing TFCC surface contrast collections. Thirty-one of our 44 patients had similar appearing, isolated radial-sided collections at either the proximal or distal TFCC surfaces. Our arthrographic, demographic, and historical study of these patients suggests that the collections are not caused by traumatic partial TFCC tears but represent a normal anatomic variant, probably a synovial recess at the radial TFCC attachment. Arthrography and dissection of a limited number of cadaveric specimens confirmed this conclusion. The second group included the remaining 13 patients. This group had contrast collections at either the proximal or distal TFCC surface, which varied in location and appearance. This smaller group is more likely to represent those uncommon patients with partial TFCC defects caused by tears.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Ulnar shortening combined with arthroscopic repairs in the delayed management of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears.

The functional outcome after surgery was determined in 21 patients an average of 29 months (range, 24-52 months) after surgery to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears and ulnar shortening. All of the patients had reparable lesions of the TFCC treated after a delay of more than 6 months from the time of injury. The patients' average age was 32 years and all patients had wrist pain limiting them from work and/or sports prior to surgery. After surgery, there was a significant relief of pain (p < .01). Grip strength and range of motion averaged 83% +/- 18% and 81% +/- 16%, respectively, of that of the uninjured side. At follow-up evaluation, 14 patients with repairs underwent follow-up studies; the TFCC was noted to be intact in 12 patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Triangular fibrocartilage complex: normal appearance on coronal three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo MR images.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) sequences in demonstration of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Appearance of the TFCC in wrists of 11 cadavers, 17 patients, and six volunteers at three-dimensional GRE magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was evaluated and compared with that at dissection. RESULTS: MR appearance of the TFCC was similar for all wrists. Volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments were identified. The TFCC had two types of attachments to the ulna: The more common consisted of two striated attachments, one to the tip and the other to the base of the styloid; the less common consisted of a broad-based striated attachment along the styloid. MR appearance of the ulnotriquetral and ulnolunate ligaments and meniscus homologue varied but correlated with observations at dissection. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional GRE sequence consistently demonstrated most TFCC components. Dissection helped confirm MR-demonstrable variability in the ulnar aspect of the TFCC.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

The incidence of wrist interosseous ligament and triangular fibrocartilage articular disc disruptions: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cadaveric wrist study was to determine the incidence and size of defects of the scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL), and triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) articular disc, and to determine their relationship to wrist arthrosis. METHODS: The status of the SLIL, LTIL, and the TFC articular disc was determined in 96 cadaveric wrists with an average age of 75 years (range, 61-92 y). The location and length of the SLIL and LTIL ligament disruptions and the site of ligament detachment were noted. Ligament disruptions were classified into 1 of 3 grades based on the size of the ligament disruption and the absence (grade 1 and 2 disruptions) or presence (grade 3 disruption) of wrist arthrosis. The location, size, and configuration of the TFC articular disc disruptions also were noted. RESULTS: Disruptions of the SLIL were noted in 34 wrists (35%). There were 20 grade 1, 4 grade 2, and 10 grade 3 ligament disruptions. The average length of ligament disruption was 10.9 mm, or 40% of the length of the ligament. Twenty-four of 34 SLIL disruptions occurred without wrist arthrosis. Disruptions of the LTIL were noted in 47 wrists (49%). There were 23 grade 1, 10 grade 2, and 14 grade 3 ligament disruptions. The average length of ligament disruption was 7.6 mm, or 52% of the ligament length. Thirty-three of 47 LTIL disruptions occurred without wrist arthrosis. Disruptions of the TFC articular disc were noted in 58 wrists (60%). The most common patterns of disruption were either a linear defect at the radial attachment of the articular disc or a centrally located oval defect. Thirty-seven of the 58 TFC articular disc disruptions were noted in wrists without distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of SLIL, LTIL, and TFC articular disc disruptions in the cadaveric model. Large ligament and TFC articular disc disruptions without wrist arthrosis are very common.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Chronic triangular fibrocartilage complex tears. A case report and review of the literature.

The treatment of a young man with chronic symptomatic gross subluxation of the distal radio-ulnar joint of the right wrist secondary to traumatic disruption of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is described. At operation, a strip of tensor fascia lata was used to stabilize the distal radio-ulnar joint. Complete relief of pain and restoration of normal function was obtained following surgery. The literature on TFCC disorders is also reviewed.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Acute injuries of the distal radioulnar joint and triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Distal radioulnar joint disorders have become increasingly recognized. Over the past decade, advances in functional anatomy, kinematics, advanced imaging, and arthroscopy have improved understanding of distal radioulnar joint disorders and their management. In the past, injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex and distal radioulnar joint have been regarded as related but separate entities. The authors' classification and treatment algorithm perceives these injuries as a single entity, differing only in their progressively severe anatomic pathology and subsequent clinical manifestations. A discussion of pertinent anatomy, clinical characteristics, ancillary studies, and a new classification system help establish recommended management options of this disorder.

Carpal Bones↗

PubMed1996

Lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex: MR findings with a three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo sequence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of a three-dimensional gradient-recalled-echo (GRE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequence in the depiction of lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) complex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of the TFC complex were evaluated in 31 patients who underwent wrist arthroscopy less than 6 months after MR imaging. The results were compared with the arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Eleven of 12 full-thickness TFC tears were depicted, but one partial-thickness tear, one abnormal disk, and one normal disk were overstaged. Lesions in the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligament and lesions of the attachments of the TFC complex to the ulna often were overstaged. Lesions of the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments often were understaged. CONCLUSION: Imaging with the three-dimensional GRE sequence is reliable in the depiction of TFC tears and the exclusion of tears of components of the TFC complex other than those of the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist: anatomy and pathology of interosseous ligaments and the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

The complex anatomy of the radiocarpal joint and proximal carpus renders high-quality magnetic resonance imaging difficult and interpretation more problematic than in other areas of the skeleton. Added to this, the common occurrence of abnormal communications through the triangular fibrocartilage complex, scapholunate, and lunotriquetral ligaments often results in difficulty in assessing the importance of findings. This article reviews the anatomy, gives suggestions for protocols for scanning the wrist, and reviews the pathologic conditions that may be seen in these structures. In particular, it emphasizes the 3-dimensional nature of these structures and how best to evaluate them in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes.

Cartilage↗

PubMed1992

Evaluation of the triangular fibrocartilage complex tears by arthroscopy, arthrography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Arthroscopic findings in 11 patients with chronic ulnar painful wrist were compared both with arthrographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results to evaluate the accuracy of the former procedure in the detection of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lesions. MR imaging and arthrography investigations appeared to be sensitive modalities when compared with arthroscopic findings in TFCC lesions (specificity 100%; sensitivity 82 and 80%). MR imaging can be advantageously employed in the screening of patients suspected of having a TFCC tear, eliminating the necessity of an arthrographic examination. However, MR imaging could not define the exact site of the tear within the degenerate TFCC or detect lesions of the articular cartilage. Arthroscopy offers sure evidence of the site of TFCC lesion and more information about the intraarticular associated causes of chronic ulnar wrist pain such as chondromalacia and synovitis. An added benefit is that many of the pathologies seen can be treated using arthroscopic surgical techniques.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Distal radioulnar joint instability in distal radius fractures: the role of sigmoid notch and triangular fibrocartilage complex revisited.

The stabilising effects of various structures of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) have been heavily debated. This biomechanical cadaveric study examined the effects of the volar and dorsal lips of the sigmoid notch and the volar and dorsal aspects of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on DRUJ stability. Sequential fractures of the distal radius and sectioning of the TFCC were performed followed by measurements of ulnar translation with the forearm in pronation, neutral and supination. A dorsal lunate facet fracture created instability in pronation. Lunate facet fractures alone did not create instability in other forearm positions. Sectioning of the volar TFCC after loss of the dorsal TFCC by a dorsal lunate facet fracture caused DRUJ instability with the forearm in neutral position. Sectioning of the dorsal TFCC after loss of the volar TFCC due to a volar lunate facet fracture created instability in neutral and pronated positions.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Arthrotomography of the wrist. The triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Eighteen fresh cadaver wrists were radiographically studied using both arthrography and arthrotomography, to evaluate the results of the two techniques. With arthrography, communications between the distal radioulnar and radiocarpal joints were discovered in eight of the 18 wrists (44%). Although defects in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) could be inferred from the arthrograms, the locations and dimensions of the defects could not be assessed satisfactorily. Using arthrotomography, three distinct patterns of TFCC defects were observed radiographically, which correlated with subsequent anatomic dissections of the cadaver specimens. Type I defects, located near the radial margin of the TFCC, are long, narrow posteroanterior fissures with thick regular borders that readily appose. Type II defects, located more centrally in the TFCC, are wide defects with thin irregular margins. Type III defects represent a communication between the prestyloid recess and the distal radioulnar joint. Arthrotomography of the wrist accurately delineates TFCC defects in cadaveric specimens and may become a valuable clinical radiographic procedure.

Cartilage, Articular↗

PubMed1993

Arthroscopic management of wrist triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in the athlete.

Wrist arthroscopy can facilitate early definitive diagnosis of debilitating soft tissue injuries in athletes. Many such injuries can be treated successfully with minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, reducing the morbidity associated with surgical exposure and permitting earlier return to competition. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is vulnerable to injury from rotational forces or axial load applied to the hand. Under arthroscopic control, injuries to the central articular disk can be treated by excision of unstable tissue fragments; peripheral separation of the disk from the dorsal or volar ligaments can be repaired with sutures to achieve complete healing. Avulsion fractures from the dorsal ulnar margin of the sigmoid notch of the radius are better treated through a small arthrotomy after initial arthroscopic evaluation.

Arthroscopy↗