Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injury of the Wrist

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KEY POINTS

• A triangular fibrocartilage complex injury is a tear of the cartilage and ligaments that allow your wrist to bend, straighten, twist, and move side to side.
• Treatment may include surgery, a splint or cast, steroid shots, and special exercises to help your wrist get stronger and more flexible.
• Follow the full course of treatment your healthcare provider prescribes.

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What is a triangular fibrocartilage complex injury?

A triangular fibrocartilage complex injury is a tear of tissue on the side of your wrist.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is an area of cartilage and ligaments on the little finger side of the wrist. Cartilage is the tissue that lines and cushions the surface of the joints. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that attach the cartilage to bones. The TFCC allows the wrist to bend, straighten, twist, and move side to side.

What is the cause?

The ligaments or cartilage in the wrist can be torn from:

• A fall onto an outstretched hand
• A direct blow to the side of the wrist or hand
• Swinging a bat or a racquet
• A violent twist of the wrist

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the little-finger side of your wrist
• Clicking sound or feeling, or a catching feeling, when you move your wrist

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. Your provider will examine your wrist and hand. Tests may include:

• X-rays of the wrist
• MRI, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to show detailed pictures of the injured area
• Arthrogram, which is an MRI done after a special dye is injected into the wrist to outline the cartilage and ligaments
• Arthroscopy, which is a type of surgery done with a small scope inserted into your joint so your provider can look directly at your joint

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on how bad the tear is. Treatments may include:

• A splint or cast to protect your wrist
• A shot of steroid medicine to reduce swelling, irritation, and pain
• Surgery to repair the tear
• Stretching or exercises to help you heal

It often takes 8 to 12 weeks for a TFCC injury to heal. Many tears become painless with rest and time even if they don't actually heal.

How can I take care of myself?

To help relieve pain for the first few days after the injury:

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Keep your hand up on a pillow so that it is above the level of your heart when you sit or lie down.
• Take an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, or other medicine as directed by your provider. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take this medicine for more than 10 days.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent a TFCC injury?

Many injuries are caused by falls or blows that can be hard to prevent. If you play a racquet sport, like tennis, using good technique can help prevent injury.