The Suction Test: A Novel Technique to Identify and Verify Successful Repair of Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

Abstract

Background The diagnoses of peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears continue to be the subject of numerous investigations.

Case Description We describe a novel arthroscopic technique that may be used as an adjunct with other arthroscopic maneuvers to diagnose and confirm repair of peripheral sided TFCC injuries.

Literature Review The hook and trampoline tests are intraoperative techniques to diagnose TFCC tears.

Clinical Relevance The suction test provides a means to detect peripheral tears and to confirm restoration of its tension post repair.

Keywords

peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex tears - TFCC - suction test - wrist

• References

• 1 Hermansdorfer JD, Kleinman WB. Management of chronic peripheral tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. J Hand Surg Am 1991; 16 (02) 340-346
• 2 Ruch DS, Yang CC, Smith BP. Results of acute arthroscopically repaired triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries associated with intra-articular distal radius fractures. Arthroscopy 2003; 19 (05) 511-516
• 3 Atzei A, Rizzo A, Luchetti R, Fairplay T. Arthroscopic foveal repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex peripheral lesion with distal radioulnar joint instability. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 2008; 12 (04) 226-235
• 4 Nakamura T, Matsumura N, Iwamoto T, Sato K, Toyama Y. Arthroscopy of the distal radioulnar joint. Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 2014; 46 (05) 295-299
• 5 Amadio PC, Berquist TH, Smith DK, Ilstrup DM, Cooney 3rd WP, Linscheid RL. Scaphoid malunion. J Hand Surg Am 1989; 14 (04) 679-687