TFCC Injury

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a cartilage and ligament structure that stabilizes the small-finger side of the wrist; injury causes pain with rotation and gripping.

Pain on the small-finger side of the wrist, worsened by gripping, twisting the forearm, or bearing weight through the wrist. A clicking sensation may be present.

A fall onto an outstretched hand, a twisting injury, or repetitive loading of the wrist can tear the TFCC. Degenerative wear is also common with age.

See a hand surgeon if wrist pain with rotation or gripping persists beyond a few weeks, or if there is a sensation of instability.

Clinical examination assessing tenderness over the TFCC, pain with forearm rotation, and wrist stability testing.

MRI or MR arthrogram identifies the location and extent of the tear; wrist arthroscopy can confirm and treat the injury.

Splinting, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medication for degenerative or partial tears.

Surgery is considered for persistent pain, mechanical symptoms, or confirmed tears not responding to conservative treatment.

Wrist arthroscopy is used to debride or repair the torn TFCC, depending on the tear pattern and blood supply of the injured tissue.

Recovery varies from a few weeks for debridement to two to three months for repair, with splinting or casting during early healing.

Most patients regain functional wrist motion and grip strength, particularly with repair of acute traumatic tears.

Infection, stiffness, incomplete relief of pain, and rarely nerve or tendon irritation from arthroscopic portals.