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J Wrist Surg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787183
Scientific Article

Biomechanics of the Trampoline Test in the Intact, Sectioned, and Repaired TFCC

Kenneth S. Mensch
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
,
Gaurav G. Mookerjee
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
,
Frederick W. Werner 
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
,
Brian J. Harley
1   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
› Author Affiliations Funding Supported by the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.
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Abstract

Background Multiple techniques have been developed to detect a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal detachment. One commonly used technique to evaluate TFCC integrity, the trampoline test, has had variable reliability.

Questions/Purposes The purpose of this biomechanical experiment was to evaluate the suitability of the trampoline test in detecting TFCC foveal detachments.

Methods In each of 10 cadaver arms, TFCC displacement near the ulnar fovea was measured using a plunger with increasing incremental loads in the intact wrist, after ulnar sectioning of the TFCC, and following TFCC repair.

Results After the application of the eight incremental small weights, there was no significant difference in the relative displacement of the plunger between the intact case, after detachment of the ulnar aspect of the TFCC disc, and after repair (0.6 mm intact, 0.7 mm detached, and 0.7 repair). However, there were significant differences in the absolute ending point displacement referenced to the starting intact position (0.6 mm intact, 1.3 mm detached, and −0.9 mm after repair).

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance This study suggests that the trampoline test may not be adequate to quantify displacement (bouncing) of the TFCC disc after injury.

Keywords

TFCC - trampoline test


Publication History

Received: 04 February 2024

Accepted: 01 May 2024

Article published online:
05 July 2024

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