Clinical and functional outcomes of rehabilitation strategies following arthroscopic repair of chronic isolated peripheral TFCC tears: A scoping review

This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing literature regarding the types of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) tears that are amenable to repair, the prevalent rehabilitation protocols, and the documented measurable outcomes across various populations. The review was conducted as per JBI methodology and reported as per PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 35 studies published between 1996 and 2024 were included. Palmer Type 1B was the most frequently operated type of tear. The tears were repaired using various arthroscopic-assisted techniques like capsular repair with polydiaxone sutures(PDS) with or without K-wire fixation, transosseous sutures, and ligament-specific repair. The duration of complete immobilization following repair varied significantly among the elbow, forearm, and wrist joints, with six weeks being the most common immobilization period. Patients on average regained 85 % of grip strength, with 87 % successfully returning to their pre-injury activity levels. The scoping review highlights the variability in rehabilitation practices following TFCC repair and the assessment of outcomes, emphasizing the need for level 1 evidence studies to standardize postoperative protocols.