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Subjective and objective results of arthroscopic debridement of ulnar-sided TFCC (Palmer type 1B) lesions with stable distal radio-ulnar joint

  • Handsurgery
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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine functional and subjective results of patients who received arthroscopic debridement for their TFCC Palmer 1B lesions and to compare their results with those of arthroscopic suture repair.

Methods

Between March 2007 and August 2011, 36 patients were diagnosed with Palmer type 1B tears and underwent arthroscopic debridement. 31 patients (15 males and 16 females) were followed up for an average of 26.7 months (±17.4 months) postoperatively. Their average age was 36.7 years (±12.7 years). Follow-up included the determination of range of motion (ROM), grip strength, pain, and wrist scores (modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH score)).

Results

Postoperative ROM averaged 99.2 % for the extension/flexion arc, 95.5 % for the radial/ulnar deviation arc, and 99.4 % for the pronation/supination arc of motion when compared with the contralateral wrist. The MMWS was rated excellent in 48 % of patients, good in 39 %, fair in 13 %, and poor in 0 %. The average DASH score was 17.02 (±14.92). There was a significant reduction in pain. The grip strength was 96.7 % (±15.8), pulp-to-pulp pinch 101.9 % (±17.4), and the ulnar variance −0.12 ± 1.69 mm.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic debridement of Palmer type 1B lesions in stable DRUJ yields satisfactory to excellent results. Our study showed similar results compared with the studies of arthroscopic suture repair with shorter postoperative care and fewer complications.

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Conflict of interest

All authors had no financial interest, commercial associations or financial relationships at the time of submission.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hand Surgery, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstrasse 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Germany

    Eloy Cardenas-Montemayor, Jan Felix Hartl, Franck Marie Leclère, Peter Hahn & Frank Unglaub

  2. Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Vulpius Klinik, Bad Rappenau, Germany

    Eloy Cardenas-Montemayor

  3. Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

    Maya B. Wolf

  4. Department of Radiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany

    Maya B. Wolf

  5. Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany

    Jens Dreyhaupt

  6. Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

    Frank Unglaub

Authors
  1. Eloy Cardenas-Montemayor
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  2. Jan Felix Hartl
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  3. Maya B. Wolf
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  6. Peter Hahn
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  7. Frank Unglaub
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Correspondence to Jan Felix Hartl.

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Cardenas-Montemayor, E., Hartl, J.F., Wolf, M.B. et al. Subjective and objective results of arthroscopic debridement of ulnar-sided TFCC (Palmer type 1B) lesions with stable distal radio-ulnar joint. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 133, 287–293 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-012-1643-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-012-1643-z

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