TFCC Injury
What is TFCC Injury?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a critical structure on the ulnar (little finger) side of the wrist. The TFCC's multiple ligamentous structures stabilise the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), supporting the ulnar side of the wrist and providing a smooth surface for wrist rotation.
TFCC injuries are a leading cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain and are divided into traumatic (Type 1) and degenerative (Type 2) lesions. Traumatic injuries are common in falls and rotational injuries to the wrist. Cegenerative lesions develop gradually with wear, tear and age. Accurate diagnosis is essential before treatment. Specialist Hand Therapy plays a central role in clinical diagnosis, non-operative management and post-surgical rehabilitation.
What causes TFCC Injury?
- Fall onto an outstretched hand with the forearm rotated
- Rotational wrist injuries during sport - common in racquet sports, gymnastics and martial arts
- Forceful gripping and twisting activities in manual workers
- Distal radius fractures: TFCC injury is a frequent associated finding
- Degenerative wear-and-tear over time
- Repetitive loading of the ulnar wrist in overhead or weight-bearing activities
Signs & symptoms
- Ulnar-sided wrist pain, on the little finger side, often deep within the wrist
- Pain reproduced by forearm rotation, particularly when gripping or loading the wrist
- A clicking, clunking or snapping sensation with wrist rotation
- Weakness of grip, especially when the forearm is in rotation
- Instability of the DRUJ: a feeling of the wrist giving way
How Hand Therapy can help
Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for TFCC Injury. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.
Ms Razo selects the appropriate type of orthosos or support protect the TFCC while acute inflammation settles. Supporting the wrist in the correct position allows tears to heal and reduces pain during rehabilitation.
A bespoke Hand Therapy programme is prescribed, dependant on the TFCC injury's severity. The regime is designed to create an optimal healing environment that fosters a reduction of pain with funciton.
TFCC repairs, debridements, DRUJ stabilisations and ulnar shortening osteotomies all require specialist post-operative rehabilitation. Ms Razo provides phased rehabilitation from the earliest post-operative stage. She coordinates with the operating surgeon to protect the repair while restoring functional wrist use.
Advice on modifying provocative activities during recovery, and a structured return-to-sport or return-to-work programme once the TFCC has healed sufficiently.
Frequently asked questions
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Clinical assessment, including specific evidence-based provocation tests can clinically confirm a TFCC injury.
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Yes. Ms Razo has a proven success rate of treating and healing a variety of TFCC tear non-operatively with Hand Therapy.
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When non-operative treatment is elected, TFCC healing can take up to 3 monhts. Recovery following surgical repair is longer, with wrist immobilisation for 4–6 weeks post-operatively and a full rehabilitation programme lasting up to 6 months.
Ready to take
the first step?
Book a consultation with Ms Razo and receive a thorough assessment, precise diagnosis and a personal treatment plan.