Wrist arthroscopy for evaluating the incidence of TFCC lesions in patients with unstable distal radius fractures

Objective To evaluate the incidence of TFCC lesions associated with unstable distal radius fractures and repair Palmar type I B lesion under arthroscopy which assisted the fracture reduction. Methods A total of 92 patients with distal radius fractures were included who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and wrist arthroscopy assisted reduction from 2014 to 2017 in our hospital. According to Palmar classification, the type of TFCC lesions was recorded. After fracture ORIF, Palmar type I B TFCC lesion was repaired under arthroscopy. Results Among the 92 cases of distal radius fractures, 81 cases had TFCC lesions, accounting for 88%. Palmar type I A lesion accounted for 13. 6% (11/81), type I B lesion 35. 8% (29/81), type I C lesion 1. 2% (1/81), type I D lesion 29. 6% (24/81) and more than two types of lesion 19. 8% (16/81). Conclusion The incidence of TFCC lesions associated with unstable distal radius fractures was high. Wrist arthroscopy can assist in the reduction of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius and repair Palmar type I B lesion. Key words: Radius fractures; Arthroscopes; TFCC lesions; Repair