Background: There has been controversy regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of TFCC
tear. Different surgical techniques for the treatment of TFCC are prescribed. The purpose of
this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of arthroscopic outside-in repair of the
ulnar side TFCC tear with vertical mattress suture.
Methods: In this study, arthroscopic outside-in repair of the ulnar side TFCC tear was done.
37 patients with TFCC tear with failure of conservative treatment for a minimum of 6 months
had surgery. Outcomes were assessed using modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), the
Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and
satisfaction criteria, and patient-related wrist evaluation score (PRWE), in addition to the
range of motion and grip strength.
Results: After arthroscopic surgery, overall satisfaction was extremely positive, and out of
the 37 patients, 91.9% of the patients are satisfied. The mean score for pain improved from
7.6 to 2.9 points. The mean MMWS was improved from 62.1 to 91.2 points. DASH score also
improved from 29.9 to 10.2 points and PRWE improved from 60 to 33 points. The ROM was
improved from 85.8% to 92% of the normal side. The grip strength of the affected side
improved from 82.5% to 89% of the normal side. All improvements are statistically significant
(P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Arthroscopic outside-in repair of ulnar side TFCC tear with mattress suture is a
reproducible method with a marked improvement in function within a short period.