Purpose: When it seems that TFCC is injured, it is known that MR arthrography is the most excellent method to confirm among examinations. However, MR arthrography has demerit by its cost for the case that is not covered by medical insurance. In this study, it is discussed about the diagnostic value of Arthrography.
Materials and Methods: Between March 2003 and July 2008, fifty-nine patients are selected who have possibility of TFCC injury by clinical examination. Arthrography was examined by injection of contrast media into distal radio-ulnar joint, Pain of arthrographic procedure is compared with intravenous injection by visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: In case of the arthrography, Conservative treatment for 43 normal cases by arthrographic finding. Among them, 35 cases (81%) showed favorable improvement of the symptom and finished follow-up only by 8.7weeks. In 16 cases who showed TFCC injury in arthrography, 7 cases were done arthroscopic surgery without further-evaluation. Other 9 cases were examined with MR arthrography, these cases showed same result as in the result by arthrography
Conclusion: In case of possibility of TFCC injury by clinical examination, arthrography is regarded as available diagnosis method with its economical merit and there is no problem with the pain of patients during the arthrographic procedure.