Repair of Peripheral Radial TFCC Tears

Arthroscopy has revolutionized the practice of orthopaedics by providing the technical capability to examine and treat intra-articular abnormalities. The development of wrist arthroscopy was a natural progression from the successful application of arthroscopy to other, larger joints. The wrist is a labyrinth composed of 8 carpal bones, multiple articular surfaces with 28 intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), all within a 5-cm interval. This perplexing joint continues to challenge clinicians with an array of potential diagnoses and treatments. Wrist arthroscopy allows direct visualization of the cartilage surfaces, synovial tissue, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex under bright light and magnification. Ulnar-sided wrist pain is a common complaint that encompasses a broad range of potential differential diagnoses. One potential cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain is a tear or degeneration of the TFCC. Tears of the TFCC can occur centrally or at the radial or ulnar attachment. This chapter addresses the arthroscopic management of radial-sided tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.