Prevalence of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in patients with distal radius fractures: a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries as shown by 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with distal radius fractures. METHODS: In total, 57 patients with distal radius fractures underwent 3.0T MRI examinations to observe the incidence of TFCC injuries after manual reduction and cast fixation. The fracture type was categorized by the AO classification, and the TFCC injury pattern was evaluated using the Palmer classification. The correlation between the location of the TFCC injury and the distal radius fracture pattern, distal radioulnar joint instability, or ulnar styloid fracture was analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-five TFCC injuries were diagnosed. There was no significant relationship between the TFCC injury pattern and the type of distal radius fracture, distal radioulnar joint instability, or ulnar styloid fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of TFCC injuries in patients with distal radius fractures. The 3.0T MRI examination helps to assess TFCC injuries in patients with distal radius fractures. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1800017101.