Wrist and forearm range of motion commencement time following primary triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal repair surgery: A scoping review

Abstract

Study Design

Scoping review.

Background

Rehabilitation guidelines following triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal repair surgery have been inconsistently reported in the published literature, with no consensus regarding wrist or forearm range of motion (ROM) commencement time.

Purpose of the Study

To scope the available literature to identify the extent and strength of the evidence supporting the clinical guidelines for wrist and forearm ROM commencement time following primary TFCC foveal repair surgery.

Methods

A systematic search produced 26 studies (3 retrospective cohort studies, 1 prospective cohort study, 1 retrospective comparative study, and 21 retrospective case series) that described specific rehabilitation protocols following TFCC foveal repair surgery.

Results

No supporting evidence was identified regarding rehabilitation protocol recommendations across all the included studies. Postsurgery wrist ROM commencement ranged from 2 to 8 weeks; forearm ROM commencement ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. ROM commencement times did not appear to systematically influence the rate of adverse events, although adverse events were poorly reported.

Conclusions

TFCC rehabilitation protocols were poorly reported and varied widely between the included studies. Additional research is recommended to comprehensively evaluate the association between wrist and/or forearm ROM and the rate of adverse events for this complex and multifaceted condition.