Current Concepts in the Management of Traumatic Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries

Authors

  • Agustin G. Donndorff Instituto de Ortopedia y Traumatología “Carlos E. Ottolenghi”, Hospital Italiano. Buenos Aires, Argentina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6384-4820
  • Fernando Juarez Cesca Departamento de Cirugía de la Mano y Miembro Superior, Hospital San Bernardo. Salta, Argentina. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6138-4898

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63403/re.v32i3.427

Keywords:

Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC), distal radioulnar joint instability, arthroscopic TFCC repair

Abstract

Injuries around the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are not uncommon and may involve only soft tissues, especially the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), or be associated with distal radius fractures, ulnar styloid fractures, or Galeazzi or Essex-Lopresti fracture-dislocations. A thorough understanding of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the TFCC and DRUJ joint is crucial to understanding treatment options and restoring stability and proper rotation, avoiding the need for secondary or salvage procedures in the future. Failure to recognize, anatomically reduce, repair, and/or stabilize these injuries can lead to chronic instability, stiffness, and/or painful arthritis. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive update on the functional anatomy, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic options available for the management of TFCC injuries, with special emphasis on clinical and radiological evaluation, classification, and conservative and surgical approaches.

Level of evidence: V. Narrative Review

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Published

2025-12-01

How to Cite

1.
Donndorff AG, Juarez Cesca F. Current Concepts in the Management of Traumatic Triangular Fibrocartilage Injuries. RELART [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 1 [cited 2026 Apr. 26];32(3):255-63. Available from: https://www.revistarelart.com/index.php/revista/article/view/427

Issue

Section

Narrative review