Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex and Lunotriquetral Ligament Injury of Distal Radius Fracture

Kim, Byung Sung; Lee, Kwang Won; Kim, Ha Yong; Choy, Won Sik; Lee, Sung Hun

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between the pattern of fractures and associated intra-articular soft tissue injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a study of 31 patients treated for distal radius fracture. Radiographic evaluation included ulnar styloid process fracture, dorsal anglulation and ulnar variance. We observed TFCC injuries, scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligament injuries by arthroscopy. RESULTS: The incidence of TFCC radial rim tear and lunotriquetral ligament injuries were significantly higher in die punch fractures with lunate facet involvement than in fractures without lunate facet involvement (p<0.05). But, the size and displacement of the ulnar styloid process, dorsal anglulation, and ulnar positive variance, and fractures involving the DRUJ had no relationship with TFCC and lunotriquetral ligament injuries (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The TFCC radial rim and the lunotriquetral ligament may be injured by axial compression loading of the ulnar head on the triquetrum. TFCC radial rim tear and lunotriquetral ligament injuries must be kept in mind in die punch fractures with lunate facet involvement.