Analysis of the Outcome of Arthroscopic Discus Repair in Nine Cases

Abstract

Introduction: This study deals with a critical review, concerning the indication of arthroscopic discus repair. Materials and Methods: From 1998 to 2003 9 patients (7 female, 2 male) with a lesion of the triangular discus were treated by arthroscopy. Two patients were under 30, 3 between 30 and 40 and 4 over 50 years old. 4 patients showed isolated discus lesions. In 3 patients the lesion occurred after a malunited radius fracture with abruption of the ulna's styloid process. 2 patients were manual workers, therefor micro traumata and chronic carpal lesions were expected, 6 performed sportive activities. Results: Patients having an isolated discus lesion could be made painfree by performing an arthroscopic discus repair. All the other patients, who had additional carpal pathologies, could not achieve pain relief through an arthroscopy and complained about persisting pain, loss of strength and weather sensitivity. In 4 cases an open discus repair had to be performed to reduce pain, once a partial and once a total carpal arthodesis. Conclusion: This study shows, that an arthroscopic discus repair can only achieve pain relief in isolated discus lesions, if additional carpal traumatic abnormabilities can be found, success is not guaranteed.

Key words

discus - discus lesion - TFCC

References

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