Perceptions and experiences of wrist surgeons on the management of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: a qualitative study

Robba, Vanessa I.; Karantana, Alexia; Fowler, Andrew P.G.; Diver, Claire

Abstract

There is lack of consensus on the management of triangular fibrocartilage injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate wrist surgeons’ experiences and perceptions regarding treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries and to explore the rationale behind clinical decision-making. A purposive sample of consultant wrist surgeons (n=10) was recruited through ‘snow-balling’ until data saturation was reached. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analysed data using an iterative/thematic approach. Findings suggest that surgeons rely more on their own training and experience, and patient-related factors such as individual expectations, rather than on published material, to inform their decision-making. Current classification systems are largely considered to be unhelpful.

Citation

Robba, V. I., Karantana, A., Fowler, A. P., & Diver, C. (2019). Perceptions and experiences of wrist surgeons on the management of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: a qualitative study. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 44(6), 572-581. https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193419826459

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 18, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Feb 10, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Deposit Date: Jan 7, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 11, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume)
• Print ISSN: 1753-1934
• Electronic ISSN: 2043-6289
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 572-581
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1753193419826459
• Keywords: Surgery
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1447113
• Publisher URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1753193419826459
• Contract Date: Jan 11, 2019