When something hurts in your wrist, it can make even the simplest daily tasks like turning a doorknob, lifting groceries, or typing on your laptop suddenly difficult. One possible cause of wrist pain that often flies under the radar is a TFCC tear. It’s not as commonly talked about as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, but it can cause just as much disruption in your life if left untreated. So, what exactly is a TFCC tear? What does it feel like? And how do doctors diagnose and treat it? Let’s break it down so you know what to expect if you or someone you love is dealing with this type of wrist injury.
What Is a TFCC Tear?
First things first: TFCC stands for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. It’s a small but mighty structure in your wrist that acts a lot like a cushion and stabilizer. Your wrist is made up of the two forearm bones (the radius and ulna) and several small carpal bones. The TFCC sits on the pinky-finger side of your wrist, between the end of the ulna bone and the carpal bones. It’s made up of cartilage and ligaments that work together to absorb shock, stabilize your wrist, and help it move smoothly.
You can think of the TFCC as the shock absorber and stabilizer of your wrist joint. It helps when you rotate your hand, like when you turn a key, or put pressure on your wrist, like when you push yourself up from a chair. When the TFCC is torn or damaged, the wrist loses some of that cushioning and stability, which can lead to pain and limited movement.
What Causes a TFCC Tear?
TFCC tears usually happen because of injury or trauma and wear and tear.
- Injury or Trauma: A sudden accident can damage the TFCC. Common scenarios where you might experience a TFCC tear include a sudden twist of the wrist, a sports injury, or falling on an outstretched hand. Car accidents or work-related accidents can also lead to a TFCC tear if the wrist takes a direct hit.
- Wear and Tear: Sometimes, the TFCC wears down over time, especially with age or repetitive motions. Degenerative tears are more common in people over 40 or those whose jobs or hobbies involve frequent wrist use.
What Does a TFCC Tear Feel Like?
So how do you know if you might have a TFCC tear? While symptoms can vary depending on the severity, many people describe a similar set of issues with this specific type of wrist injury.
- Pain on the pinky-finger side of the wrist is the most classic symptom. The discomfort may be sharp with certain movements or a dull ache while at rest.
- Some people notice clicking or popping sounds, especially when they rotate their wrist.
- Your wrist may feel weaker or less steady than usual, especially when gripping objects.
- Certain movements like turning a doorknob, twisting a jar lid, or using a screwdriver can be particularly painful.
- The area near the ulna bone may feel tender to the touch, with swelling or irritation in the area.
- The pain often gets worse with activities that put pressure on the wrist, like push-ups, lifting heavy objects, or sports that require twisting motions.
How Is a TFCC Tear Diagnosed?
Because wrist pain can come from many different causes, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. At AICA Orthopedics, diagnosis usually includes several steps: a thorough medical history and symptom review, followed by a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests. Getting the right diagnosis matters because the treatment plan depends on whether the tear is mild, severe, or degenerative.
- Medical History and Symptom Review: Your doctor will ask about when the pain started, how the injury happened (if there was one), and what movements or activities make it worse.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will press on different parts of your wrist and guide you through movements to test strength, stability, and pain response.
- Imaging Tests: To confirm a TFCC tear and rule out other issues, your provider may recommend an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to get a more detailed look at the structures in your wrist. In some cases, doctors may use a tiny camera inserted into the wrist joint to directly view the TFCC and confirm the tear.
How Are TFCC Tears Treated?
Treatment for a TFCC tear usually depends on the severity of the injury and how it can impact your daily life. The good news is that not all TFCC tears require surgery. In fact, treatment for a TFCC tear depends on the severity of the injury, how long you’ve had symptoms, and how much the tear affects your daily activities. Many people improve with conservative, nonsurgical care, while others may need surgical intervention to fully repair the damage.
You might be wondering, “Can a TFCC tear get worse?” Unfortunately, if left untreated, a TFCC tear could get worse, causing increased pain, decreased stability, and even long-term complications like arthritis. Here are some examples of what treatment for a TFCC tear can look like.
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest and Immobilization: Your doctor may recommend a wrist brace, splint, or cast to keep the joint stable while the TFCC heals. Limiting movement reduces stress on the cartilage and gives your body time to repair itself. Immobilization can last several weeks, depending on the severity of the tear.
- Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Applying ice packs to the wrist can help reduce swelling and discomfort, especially in the first few weeks after injury. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may also be recommended to decrease pain and control inflammation. These measures don’t heal the tear, but they do help make your TFCC tear symptoms more manageable as you recover.
- Physical Therapy: Once initial healing has taken place, physical therapy becomes a key part of recovery. Gentle, guided exercises will help restore flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the wrist, and prevent stiffness from long periods of immobilization. A therapist will also work with you on movements that reduce stress on the wrist, lowering the chance of reinjury.
- Injections: In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be used to control pain and swelling. These injections are delivered directly into the wrist joint to target inflammation at the source. While injections don’t repair the tear, they can provide relief that allows you to participate more fully in therapy and daily activities.
Surgical Treatment
- Arthroscopic Repair: This minimally invasive surgery uses tiny tools and a small camera inserted into the wrist to repair the torn TFCC. Because it requires only small incisions, recovery time is generally shorter, and scarring is minimal compared to open surgery. This option is typically recommended for younger, active patients or those with a clear traumatic tear.
- Debridement: Sometimes, the damaged portion of the TFCC is too frayed to be stitched back together. In these cases, the surgeon may perform a debridement, which involves trimming away the torn tissue. This procedure helps smooth the area and reduce pain, especially in situations where degenerative tears have developed with age.
- Ulnar Shortening Surgery: If the ulna bone is longer than the radius, it can put extra pressure on the TFCC and prevent proper healing. In this procedure, the surgeon shortens the ulna slightly to relieve the pressure and protect the wrist joint. While this is a more involved surgery, it can provide long-term relief for patients whose bone structure makes them more prone to TFCC problems.
- Recovery after surgery generally includes a period of immobilization followed by several weeks of physical therapy. Most people experience significant improvement in strength, stability, and pain levels once the wrist has fully healed.
What to Expect with TFCC Treatment at AICA
At AICA Orthopedics, we know how much wrist pain can impact your life, and that’s why we’re here to help you get back to your daily routine. Our teams of multi-specialty doctors take a comprehensive approach to make your treatment seamless.
- On-Site Diagnostic Imaging: We offer advanced imaging like X-rays and MRIs right in our clinic for fast, accurate diagnosis.
- Orthopedic Specialists: Our orthopedic doctors evaluate your wrist and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, from non-invasive to surgical.
- Physical Therapy – Our physical therapists work with you to restore wrist strength, mobility, and function, whether you’re recovering from a nonsurgical plan or a surgical repair.
- Pain Management: We provide safe, effective pain relief options to keep you comfortable while you heal.
- Collaborative Care: Because all of these services are under one roof, you don’t have to juggle multiple appointments at different locations. Our specialists work together to help make sure you get the best possible outcome. With this team-based care, you’ll know you’re supported every step of the way.
Get Expert Wrist Care at AICA Orthopedics
If you’re struggling with wrist pain that just won’t go away, don’t ignore it, especially if it sounds like a TFCC tear. At AICA Orthopedics, our team of orthopedic doctors, imaging specialists, and physical therapists works together to provide comprehensive care under one roof. From diagnosis to recovery, we’ll guide you through every step and help you get back to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. Call AICA Orthopedics today to get started on your path to healing.