The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a wedge of cartilage and ligaments on the small-finger side of the wrist that cushions load and stabilizes the joint between the forearm bones. It can tear from a fall on an outstretched hand, a forceful twist, or gradually from repeated load and rotation. Up to half of wrist (distal radius) fractures also have a TFCC tear.
Warning signs
- Deep pain on the small-finger side of the wrist
- Pain turning a doorknob, opening a jar, or gripping
- Clicking or popping when you rotate the forearm
- Weakness with twisting tasks
- Pain that lingers after a wrist fracture has healed
Treatment
The exam includes pressing on a specific soft spot on the pinky side of the wrist; X-rays and an MRI or MR arthrogram help confirm the tear. Care for an acute tear without instability usually starts with a wrist splint or short cast for 4 to 6 weeks, avoiding forceful twisting and gripping, anti-inflammatory medication and hand therapy; a steroid injection can both relieve pain and confirm where it comes from. When pain persists, wrist arthroscopy through small portals lets the tear be trimmed or repaired depending on its type.
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Questions patients ask
What is TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a wedge of cartilage and ligaments on the small-finger side of the wrist that cushions load and stabilizes the joint between the forearm bones. It can tear from a fall on an outstretched hand, a forceful twist, or gradually from repeated load and rotation. Up to half of wrist (distal radius) fractures also have a TFCC tear.
What are the warning signs of TFCC tear?
Deep pain on the small-finger side of the wrist. Pain turning a doorknob, opening a jar, or gripping. Clicking or popping when you rotate the forearm. Weakness with twisting tasks. Pain that lingers after a wrist fracture has healed.
How is TFCC tear treated?
The exam includes pressing on a specific soft spot on the pinky side of the wrist; X-rays and an MRI or MR arthrogram help confirm the tear. Care for an acute tear without instability usually starts with a wrist splint or short cast for 4 to 6 weeks, avoiding forceful twisting and gripping, anti-inflammatory medication and hand therapy; a steroid injection can both relieve pain and confirm where it comes from. When pain persists, wrist arthroscopy through small portals lets the tear be trimmed or repaired depending on its type.
Who treats TFCC tear near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.
En español: ¿Dolor del lado del meñique en la muñeca desde una caída?
El complejo del fibrocartílago triangular (TFCC) es una cuña de cartílago y ligamentos del lado del meñique de la muñeca que amortigua la carga y estabiliza la articulación entre los huesos del antebrazo. Se puede romper por una caída con la mano extendida, un giro forzado o, poco a poco, por carga y rotación repetidas. Hasta la mitad de las fracturas de muñeca (radio distal) también tienen una lesión del TFCC.
Señales de alerta
- Dolor profundo del lado del meñique de la muñeca
- Dolor al girar una perilla, abrir un frasco o agarrar
- Chasquidos al girar el antebrazo
- Debilidad al hacer movimientos de giro
- Dolor que sigue después de que sanó una fractura de muñeca
Tratamiento
El examen incluye presionar un punto específico del lado del meñique de la muñeca; las radiografías y una resonancia magnética o artrorresonancia ayudan a confirmar la lesión. En una lesión reciente sin inestabilidad, el tratamiento suele empezar con una férula o un yeso corto por 4 a 6 semanas, evitar giros y agarres fuertes, antiinflamatorios y terapia de mano; una inyección de esteroide puede aliviar el dolor y a la vez confirmar de dónde viene. Si el dolor persiste, una artroscopia de muñeca por incisiones pequeñas permite limpiar o reparar la lesión según su tipo.
If this sounds like your hand
Call Loredo Hand Care Institute or start your forms online. New patients are seen within days; surgery, when needed, is scheduled at the first available opening. Se habla español.