Triangular fibrocartilage complex
Updates to Article Attributes
Body
was changed:
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a complex structure that is a major contributor to the stability of the wrist.
Gross anatomy
The TFCC is located on the ulnar aspect of the wrist joint between the ulna and the lunate and triquetrum of the proximal carpal row. It has an elongated triangular shape with the apex pointing at the radius 5 and consists of the triangular disc proper along with 1, 2:
- volar components
- volar radioulnar ligament
- ulnocarpal ligamentous complex:
- ulna components
- dorsal components
- dorsal radioulnar ligament
- extensor carpi ulnaris tendon sheath
Blood supply
- central and radial portions of the TFCC are avascular
Variant anatomy
The shape of the TFCC varies with negative and positive ulnar variance 4:
- negative ulnar variance: thicker, shorter with a more horizontal lie
- positive ulnar variance: thinner and arc-shaped
Function
Function of the TFCC 3:
- main stabiliser of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
- buttress to support proximal carpal row
- allowing for transmission of portion of axial load from the carpus to the ulna (approximately 20% of the force with the remaining 80% through radiocarpal joint)
Related pathology
- +<li>ulnocarpal ligamentous complex:<ul>
- +<li><a title="ulnocapitate ligament" href="/articles/ulnocapitate-ligament">ulnocapitate ligament</a></li>
- +</ul>
- +</li>
References changed:
- 7. Moritomo H. Anatomy and clinical relevance of the ulnocarpal ligament. (2013) Journal of wrist surgery. 2 (2): 186-9. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1345023">doi:10.1055/s-0033-1345023</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24436814">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>
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