Arthroscopic Treatment of Type 1B Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear by “Outside-In” Repair Technique Using Transcapsular Transverse Mattress Suture

Abstract

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are increasingly recognized as a cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Palmer grouped these tears into either traumatic or degenerative, with various subclassifications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), arthrogram, and arthroscopy are the methods used to establish the diagnosis. Several arthroscopic methods of TFCC repair including outside-in, inside-out, and all-inside techniques have been described. The outside-in repair, which involves piercing the TFCC via the ulnar side of the wrist, has been described by several authors, but the technique varies among authors with respect to instrumentation and subtle surgical modifications. The purpose of this article was to present the technique of arthroscopic outside-in repair using transverse mattress suture for type 1B TFCC tear by modifying classic vertical mattress sutures into sutures that pass completely through the disc.