Our Summary

This research paper reviews the medical records of seven patients who had a specific kind of wrist tendon injury (extensor carpi ulnaris or ECU tendinopathy). These patients were treated with a type of wrist surgery (wrist arthroscopy) and open surgical repair between 2010 to 2017. The doctors also checked for and treated any damage to a certain piece of cartilage in the wrist (the triangular fibrocartilage complex or TFCC).

The study found that four of the patients also had tears in their TFCC, which were repaired during the same procedure. They tracked the patients for an average of 39 months and found that all of them improved significantly in terms of pain, wrist movement, grip strength, and overall wrist function.

The paper concludes that when treating this type of wrist tendon injury, doctors should also check for damage to the TFCC. If surgery is planned, they recommend a wrist arthroscopy for a more accurate diagnosis, especially if an MRI suggests damage or wear and tear to the TFCC. If the ECU and another part of the wrist (the DRUJ) are stabilized by repairing or reconstructing any damage to the ECU, TFCC, and other structures in the wrist, the results will be favorable.

FAQs

  1. What is the main finding of this research paper on wrist tendon injury and wrist arthroscopy?
  2. What is the significance of the TFCC in treating extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy?
  3. What is the recommended surgical procedure for treating extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy, especially if there is suspected damage to the TFCC?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering wrist arthroscopy for a tendon injury to ensure that the procedure also includes a thorough evaluation and potential repair of the TFCC. This can help improve overall outcomes and reduce the risk of ongoing wrist pain and dysfunction. Additionally, following post-operative rehabilitation recommendations is crucial for optimal recovery and long-term success.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended wrist arthroscopy are those who have persistent wrist pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and instability in the wrist joint. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions such as ligament tears, cartilage injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, and ganglion cysts in the wrist. In the case of ECU tendinopathy, as highlighted in the research paper, wrist arthroscopy may be recommended to diagnose and repair any damage to the ECU tendon, TFCC, and other structures in the wrist to improve overall wrist function and reduce pain.

Timeline

Before wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient presents with wrist pain, limited range of motion, and decreased grip strength.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination and imaging tests (such as MRI) to diagnose the specific wrist injury.
  3. Doctor recommends wrist arthroscopy for a more accurate diagnosis and potential treatment plan.

After wrist arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes wrist arthroscopy procedure to evaluate and repair the wrist injury, including any tears in the TFCC.
  2. Recovery period following surgery, including physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
  3. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and assess improvements in pain, range of motion, grip strength, and overall wrist function.
  4. Long-term follow-up to track patient outcomes and ensure continued improvement in wrist function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of wrist tendon injury do I have (such as ECU tendinopathy) and why is wrist arthroscopy recommended for treatment?

  2. What is the purpose of checking for damage to the TFCC during the wrist arthroscopy procedure?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with wrist arthroscopy for treating my wrist injury?

  4. How long is the recovery period after wrist arthroscopy, and what can I expect in terms of pain, movement, and overall wrist function during the recovery process?

  5. What are the success rates of wrist arthroscopy for treating ECU tendinopathy and TFCC tears, based on the findings of this research study?

  6. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my wrist injury, and how do they compare to wrist arthroscopy in terms of effectiveness and recovery time?

  7. How experienced are you in performing wrist arthroscopy procedures, and what is your success rate with similar cases to mine?

  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the wrist arthroscopy procedure, and if so, what does that involve?

  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the wrist arthroscopy procedure, and what signs or symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate complications?

  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent re-injury or further damage to my wrist after undergoing wrist arthroscopy for ECU tendinopathy and TFCC tears?

Reference

Authors: Lee YK. Journal: J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2022 Jan-Apr;30(1):23094990211067009. doi: 10.1177/23094990211067009. PMID: 34986044