Application Of Arthroscopic Thermal Shrinkage For Treatment Of Partial Intercarpal Interosseous Ligament Injuries Combined With TFCC Injuries

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage performed for partial intercarpal interosseous ligament injuries combined with TFCC injuries.Methods:Eight patients with a mean age of 47 years(range,28-64 y) with wrist pain were included in this study.Diagnostic arthroscopy showed partial intercarpal interosseous ligament injuries combined with TFCC injuries in these patients.After debrideMent performed by using a shaver,a monopolar radiofrequency probe was used to shrink the intercarpal interosseous ligament and the fringed edges of TFCC. Postoperatively pain,wrist motion,grip and pinch strength were evaluated.Wrist function was assessed using modified Mayo wrist score and DASH questionnaire.Results:The follow-up interview and examination were conducted 10 months(mean; range,6-12 months) postoperatively.Seven patients(87.5%) experienced a pain relief subjectively(3 absolutely,4 better).Only in 1 patient the pain remained unchanged. The postoperative scores of The Modified Mayo Wrist Score and DASH questionnaire were significantly better than the preoperative scores according to the Wilcoxon signed-rank test(P＜0.05).Preoperative Mayo score was 51.3(30-70) while postoperative score was 78.1(45-95).DASH score increased from 39.3(18.3-49.3) preoperatively to 19.2(8.8-28.7) postoperatively.Conclusions:This study suggests that arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage is a valid and safe procedure to treat partial intercarpal interosseous ligament injuries combined with TFCC injuries.Level of Evidence:LevelⅣ,case series.