Return to Activity After Arthroscopically Assisted Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Repair: A Systematic Review. Issue 3 (27th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silber, Zachary S.; Donnelly, Joseph C.; Farias, Michael J.; Lama, Christopher J.; Luther, Lauren I.; Kosinski, Lindsay R.; Hoy, Austin E.; Gil, Joseph A.
• Is Part Of: Clinical journal of sport medicine. Volume 33:Issue 3(2023)
• Page Start: 270
• Page End: 275
• Publication Date: 2023-05-27
• Subjects: triangular fibrocartilage complex -- return to work -- return to sport; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-642X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate patients' ability to return to preinjury activity level after arthroscopically assisted triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) repair. Data Sources: The PubMed electronic library was systematically searched from inception to August 2021 for any eligible articles using a combination of the phrases "TFCC, " "return to sport, " "return to work, " and "athlete." Results: Studies that evaluated patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of isolated TFCC injury and reported objective or patient-reported outcome measures were included. Fifteen studies representing 478 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An average of 84% of patients were able to fully return to their previous work or sport activities. Most studies reported that range of motion (ROM) and grip strength (GS) both returned to >90% of the contralateral side, and every study that evaluated pain levels found a significant reduction in pain postoperatively. Mayo Modified Wrist Score was reported as excellent or good in 83% of patients, and the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 13.8 postoperatively. Conclusion: Patients were able to return to their previous work or sport activities at a high rate after TFCC repair, even those participating in more strenuous activities. Measurable functional outcomes of ROM and GS were also reliably restored to near preinjury levels. Patient-reported outcomes of pain and disability were similarly improved after TFCC repair. Current literature has established the long-term success of TFCC repair but is lacking in evaluation of the time points at which patients can expect functional status to be restored.