TFCC Tear
What is it?
The Triangular FibroCartilage Complex, or TFCC, is an important structure in the wrist. The TFCC is made of tough fibrous tissue and cartilage. This tissue supports the joints between the end of the forearm bones (radius and ulna), adding to their stability. The TFCC also helps connect the forearm with the small bones in the ulnar side (“pinkie finger” side) of the wrist. There are several different tissues that form the TFCC, and they blend together to stabilize the ulnar side of the wrist.
The TFCC also acts as a cushion between the end of the ulna and small bones (lunate and triquetrum) of the wrist (Figure 1). In patients whose ulna is longer than the radius at the wrist, the TFCC is usually thinner and more likely to tear.
What is the cause?
A TFCC tear can happen in two different locations and is usually caused by different problems. The first type of TFCC tear is due to natural wear, and the other is usually from injury. Tears due to wear are the most common and are usually not seen in younger people. They become more common as one gets older.
Tears from injury can come from:
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A fall on the hand or wrist
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A twisting injury (like a drill bit catching, causing a twist of the arm)
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A fracture at the end of the radius
Signs & Symptoms
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Pain over the little finger side of the wrist
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Pain/numbness/ tingling into the little finger,
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Restricted wrist movement
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Weakness
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Pain bearing weight through an extended wrist (i.e. push up position)
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Pain with rotational wrist movements.
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Pain tilting the wrist from side to side
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Cluncking of the wrist
What can we do about it?
Following an acute injury our priority is to minimise the extent of damage, reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Modalities such as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), strapping, bracing ,manual therapy and may also be used. Your therapist at Sports and Spine Physio will provide education, address unhelpful beliefs regarding the injury, identify and modify aggravating factors. Our goal is to restore pain free wrist range of motion and prevent secondary complications. We will provide you with strengthening exercises of the muscles of the wrist and upper limbs. As part of our assessment, your therapist will Identify and address movement and postural issues that may have contributed to the injury (i.e. stooped posture, poor positioning of the shoulder blades, poor wrist posture). Your therapist can best advise on a graded return to work, sport and function.