What is a TFCC Tear? 7 Things to Know About This Common Wrist Injury

A TFCC tear, or triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, is a common wrist injury that can affect your ability to grip and grab things. The TFCC is important for wrist stability and movement, especially during activities that involve gripping or twisting motions.

What is the TFCC?

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is on the same side of the wrist as the pinky finger. It includes cartilage, ligaments and a casing that surrounds the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. It serves several functions, including:

• Stability for the wrist joint, especially during gripping and rotational movements
• Shock absorption, acting as a cushion between the forearm bone on the pinky side and the carpal bones of the wrist, helping to absorb forces during activities
• Movement support, allowing for smooth movement between the forearm bones and wrist bones

What causes a TFCC tear in the wrist?

Sudden injuries, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or another type of direct impact to the wrist, can cause a TFCC tear.

Stress from activities that involve repetitive wrist motions can lead to wear and tear on the TFCC and cause a tear over time. These types of activities can include racquet sports, gymnastics or manual labor.

As people age, they may become more prone to TFCC tears. This is because the TFCC can weaken due to natural wear and tear.

Certain conditions such as arthritis or previous wrist injuries also can increase a person’s chances of tearing their TFCC.

How to know if you have a TFCC tear

A TFCC tear can cause pain and swelling, and it can be difficult to move the affected wrist. Recognizing the symptoms of a TFCC tear is important for getting a timely diagnosis and treatment. Getting treatment as early as possible can help prevent complications and lead to a better recovery.

Symptoms to look out for include:

• Pain on the side of the wrist where the pinky is located that may get worse with twisting or gripping motions
• Swelling in the wrist, especially on the ulnar side where the pinky is located
• Clicking or popping sensation when moving the wrist
• Limited range of motion and difficulty moving the wrist
• Weakness in the wrist that makes it hard to perform tasks that require grip strength

How are TFCC tears diagnosed?

A medical provider can diagnose a TFCC tear. They will check your wrist for tenderness, swelling and range of motion. They will also ask for details about how the wrist injury occurred and whether you have had previous wrist injuries.

The doctor may also order an X-ray to rule out fractures or other bone-related issues or an MRI so they can see more detailed images of the soft tissues.

They also might suggest a wrist arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery that allows the doctor to see the TFCC and surrounding tissues using a camera.

Do TFCC tears require surgery?

Treatment for a TFCC tear depends on the severity of the injury. Your doctor might first suggest conservative, non-surgical treatment, including the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation), and taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Your doctor might also recommend you wear a wrist brace or splint to provide support and limit movement while your TFCC tear heals.

Once the initial pain decreases, your doctor might send you to an occupational hand therapist who will work with you to develop a rehabilitation program to strengthen the wrist, improve flexibility and restore function.

If conservative methods do not work or if your tear is severe, your doctor might recommend surgery. Surgical options include:

• Arthroscopic repair, a minimally invasive procedure that involves stitching the torn TFCC back together
• Debridement, a procedure to remove the damaged tissue

How long does it take a TFCC tear to heal?

A TFCC tear may take anywhere from six to 12 weeks to heal without surgery. If you do have surgery, your recovery may take longer.

Once your wrist heals, it is recommended to see an occupational therapist who can help develop an exercise program to help you regain strength and mobility in your wrist. This may include specific exercises, stretches and gradual return to activities.

Can you prevent a TFCC tear?

Some things you can do to try to prevent a TFCC tear include:

• Exercise to strengthen the wrist and forearm muscles
• Use correct techniques when playing sports that involve the wrist
• Warm up properly before engaging in physical activities.
• Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designed to reduce strain on the wrist during repetitive tasks
• Regularly take breaks during repetitive activities to reduce stress on the wrist

TFCC tears are a common wrist injury that can significantly affect daily life and activities. But with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most people can expect a good recovery and return to their normal activities.