Triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: a review.

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears are a common source of ulnar sided wrist pain. Originally described by Palmer, in 1981, as a complex of several structures, our understanding of the anatomy and the function of the TFCC has been refined by histologic studies. The TFCC plays an important role in load bearing across the wrist as well as in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stabilization.

Rotator cuff repair in patients with type I diabetes mellitus.

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is associated with shoulder stiffness and a propensity toward postoperative wound complications and infection. We compared our results of open repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears in 30 diabetic patients with those of a matched, nondiabetic population. No differences were observed in preoperative range of motion, although at a mean of 34 months, significant differences in shoulder active range of motion and passive range of motion were found postoperatively at 6 weeks, 6 months, and final follow-up (P <.

Thermal energy in arthroscopic surgery of the wrist.

Thermal energy in arthroscopic surgery needs further follow-up evaluation to clarify the potential benefits, specifically with respect to thermal shrinkage. Although the initial findings are promising, the long-term results need to be compared with other accepted standards of management. Preliminary findings seem to show that the addition of these surgical instruments and expanding operative techniques have definite roles in arthroscopic wrist surgery, as demonstrated through meticulous synovectomies and precise tissue debridement, along with the possible thermal shrinkage potential.