Outcomes of surgically treated distal radius fractures associated with triangular fibrocartilage complex injury

Abstract

Study design: Prospective cohort. Introduction: Clinical studies that evaluate the correlation between associated lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and outcome of distal radius fractures expressed with the patient-rated disability are missing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of distal radius fractures associated with or without an injury of the TFCC. Methods: Patients undergoing operative treatment for distal radius fracture were prospectively enrolled (n = 70). TFCC was examined by wrist arthroscopy and injuries classified according to Palmer. Comparative analyses were performed on 45 patients with TFCC injury (injured group) and 25 patients with intact TFCC (intact group). The outcome measures included the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaires, 3 and 12 months after injury. Results: TFCC was injured in 45 patients (64%). In patients with intact TFCC, mean total PRWE score was 27 (3 months) and 16 (12 months), compared to patients with TFCC injury with 40 (at 3 months) and 24 (at 12 months). Mean DASH scores were 26 and 13 at 3 and 12 months for the intact group and 39 and 27 for the injured group. PRWE and DASH results showed significant difference at 3 and 12 months when compared with Mann-Whitney test. Discussion: PRWE and DASH scores evaluation showed that patients with associated TFCC injury had greater pain and disability at 3 and 12 months after injury. Conclusions: Disability outcomes were worse in patients with distal radius fracture, where TFCC was injured. TFCC injuries are an important cofactor affecting the outcome of distal radius fractures.