Symptoms and evaluation
Patients may notice pain on the small-finger side of the wrist, clicking, pain with rotation, gripping or pushing up from a chair, and sometimes a sense of instability. Examination and imaging help distinguish TFCC problems from tendon, cartilage and distal radioulnar joint conditions.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the tear pattern, wrist stability, anatomy and patient demands. Options can include activity modification, bracing, therapy, medication when appropriate and selected injections. Persistent symptomatic tears or instability may be evaluated for wrist arthroscopy, repair or other reconstructive treatment.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery depends on whether treatment is nonsurgical, arthroscopic debridement or repair. A repaired TFCC generally requires a period of protection before progressive motion and strengthening.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Not every TFCC tear seen on MRI requires surgery. Symptoms, examination findings, stability and the specific tear pattern are important in deciding treatment.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.