Short-term evaluation of arthroscopic outside-in repair of ulnar side TFCC tear with vertical mattress suture.

BACKGROUND: There has been controversy regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of TFCC tear. Different surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC are prescribed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of arthroscopic outside-in repair of the ulnar side TFCC tear with vertical mattress suture.

METHODS: In this study, arthroscopic outside-in repair of the ulnar side TFCC tear was done. 37 patients with TFCC tear with failure of conservative treatment for a minimum of 6 months had surgery. Outcomes were assessed using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction criteria, and patient-related wrist evaluation score (PRWE), in addition to the range of motion and grip strength.

RESULTS: After arthroscopic surgery, overall satisfaction was extremely positive, and out of the 37 patients, 91.9% of the patients are satisfied. The mean score for pain improved from 7.6 to 2.9 points. The mean MMWS was improved from 62.1 to 91.2 points. DASH score also improved from 29.9 to 10.2 points and PRWE improved from 60 to 33 points. The ROM was improved from 85.8% to 92% of the normal side. The grip strength of the affected side improved from 82.5% to 89% of the normal side. All improvements are statistically significant ( P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic outside-in repair of ulnar side TFCC tear with mattress suture is a reproducible method with a marked improvement in function within a short period.