An anatomical study on triangular fibrocartilage complex and its clinical significance

Objective To investigate the anatomical and morphological features of the triangular fibrocartilage complex(TFCC) and the relationship between ulna-wrist joint and TFCC.Methods Twelve fresh upper limb specimens of adult human were used for anatomic study of the TFCC.The components and each morphological feature,courser and attachment of the TFCC,the relationship of the TFCC,distal radioulnar joint and ulna-wrist joint were studied.Results The TFCC consisted of the articular disc,meniscus homologue,palmar and dorsal distal ligaments,sheath of the extensor carpi ulnaris,ulnar capsule,ulnotriquetral ligament,radioulnar triquetral ligament and ulnolunate ligament.The attachment of the ulnolunate ligament,the ulnotriquetral ligament and the lunatotriquetral ligament mixed together each other as a stable triangular structure.Conclusion The TFCC is a complex anatomic and biomechanical structure for the stabilization of distal radioulnar joint and ulna-wrist joint.The triangular fibrocartilage complex of ulnolunate ligament,ulnotriquetral ligament and lunatotriquetral ligament is an important structure for stabilizing the ulna-wrist joint.