Impact of TFCC injuries combined with distal radius fractures on long-term results of hand function: a comparative study

Introduction Fractures of the distal metaepipheseal fractures of the radius (DMER) have a leading place in the overall structure of upper limb injuries. DMER fractures are frequently associated with soft- tissue injuries of the wrist joint, and namely, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The additional use of arthroscopy of the wrist joint in the treatment of patients with a DMER fractiures reduces the duration of recovery of patients and improves the result of their treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of arthroscopic surgical treatment of TFCC injuries during bone osteosynthesis for DMER fractures on the functions of the upper extremities (extension/flexion of the hand, hand grip strength, pronation/supination of the forearm, DASH index). Materials and methods The study included 68 patients with DMER fractures, who were divided into 2 groups, depending on the treatment of the fracture. After reduction and osteosynthesis, all patients underwent arthroscopy of the wrist joint. If TFCC injury was detected, either a debridement or a TFCC suture was performed. Results TFCC injury was detected in 61.7 % (n = 42). Debridement was performed in 42.9 % (n = 18); suture using the inside-out technique was performed in 47.6 % (n = 20); one patient underwent reinsertion. After 6 months, the function of flexion and extension of the hand was significantly worse in patients with combined TFCC and DMER injuries, but after 12 months, the indicators were similar. The strength of the hand grip and the rotational function of the forearm did not differ between the subgroups. The subjective assessment of DASH after 6 months was worse in the group with TFCC injury, but after 12 months the results were similar. Conclusion Surgical treatment of TFCС injury in intra-articular fractures of the distal radius contributes to the restoration of the upper limb function to a premorbid level 12 months after surgical treatment.