The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the main stabilizer of the distal radio-ulnar joint. Moreover, there are no studies focused on the subject, leading to a strong disparity in postoperative protocols. In this study, we compare the postoperative results of arthroscopic suturing of the TFCC of peripheral and proximal lesions according to 3 methods of immobilization [6weeks wrist immobilization (group 1), 3weeks wrist and elbow immobilization then 3weeks wrist immobilization (group 2), 6weeks wrist and elbow immobilization (group 3)].

We performed a single-center, retrospective, comparative study with an inclusion period of January 2015 to December 2021. The lesions were classified according to the Atzei classification with peripheral or foveal lesions. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on postoperative immobilization. The primary outcome was the QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and as secondary outcomes, range of motion (°), Grip strength (kg), pain (NRS), the presence of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and postoperative complications were analyzed. After the operation, the patients were systematically followed-up at 3months, 6months and 1year. The data collected are at 1year of postoperative follow-up.

We included 387 patients in our study, with an average age of 32.6years. A total of 302 peripheral lesions and 85 foveal lesions were included. Concerning “peripheral” population, the difference in the QuickDASH was significantly different between the 3 groups with a greater improvement in the group 2. The group 2 differed from the others in having less postoperative pain but less recovery of grip strength and flexion. Concerning “foveal” population, the difference in the QuickDASH was significantly different between the 3 groups, with a greater improvement in group 1 with lower pain in this group.

With the results of this study, we propose to carry out an immobilization 3weeks wrist and elbow then 3weeks only wrist for the peripheral lesions and an immobilization 6weeks of the pronosupination for the foveal lesions of TFCC.