TFCC injuries can be repaired by open or arthroscopic methods
. Arthroscopic TFCC repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which 2 to 3 small incisions of 5 mm each are made in the wrist.
What happens if fibrocartilage is damaged?
Triangular fibrocartilage complex injury (TFCC) symptoms
Reduced range of hand or wrist motion
. Swelling in the wrist. Popping or clicking when moving the wrist. Reduced ability to grip objects.
Can torn cartilage in the wrist heal?
In many cases, a TFCC tear will heal on its own
. However, a person will need to avoid using the affected wrist to prevent further injury and to allow it to heal properly. A healthcare professional may also recommend wearing a splint, brace, or cast to protect and immobilize the wrist.
Can TFCC tear heal without surgery?
The quick answer to this question is
yes, a TFCC tear can heal without surgery
. It’s important to understand that the area toward the outside of the wrist will heal better without surgery, and it may take some time for your pain to improve.
Will my wrist ever heal?
It might take 8 weeks or longer for your wrist to heal
. More severe breaks may not fully mend for 6 months. You and your doctor will decide when you are fully recovered. Don’t rush back into your activity too soon.
Is there wrist replacement surgery?
Wrist joint replacement can be done as an outpatient procedure
, unlike a hip or knee replacement. Wrist replacement surgery is often combined with other procedures to correct deformities or disorders in the tendons, nerves, and small joints of the fingers, and thumb. An incision is made on the back of the wrist.
How do I know if I need TFCC surgery?
The main symptom of a TFCC tear is
pain along the outside of your wrist, though you might also feel pain throughout your entire wrist
. The pain may be constant or only appear when you move your wrist or apply pressure to it. Other symptoms of a TFCC tear include: a clicking or popping sound when you move your wrist.
What does torn cartilage in wrist feel like?
Symptoms of a wrist cartilage tear
pain on the inside (ulnar) of the wrist
. pain with twisting (tennis) or pressure on the wrist (weight training) clicking in wrist. loss of grip strength.
Can a torn ligament in wrist heal without surgery?
Grade 1 and 2 ligament injuries can heal without surgical intervention
. Doctors will use a combination of bracing, physical therapy, heat therapy, and medication to help with healing.
How do you treat fibrocartilage?
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory medications (such as NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Bracing: Keeping your forearm and wrist stable with a brace or splint can allow your TFCC to heal.
- Injections: Cortisone shots help reduce the swelling of torn tissue.
What is a triangular fibrocartilage tear?
A TFCC tear is
an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex, soft tissues in the wrist that cushion and support the carpal bones and help stabilize the forearm
. Injuries range from mild to severe, but all can disable the wrist.
Why is my TFCC not healing?
The cartilage and ligaments composing the TFCC are prone to degeneration and tearing
. They do not have a good blood supply and therefore, injuries do not heal well.
Can you lift weights with TFCC tear?
In all cases, during the initial inflammatory period rest (so
no training, lifting or gymnastics
), ice and immobilization are the recommended protocols. The best position for the injured wrist is in a neutral position (see left) and supported by a brace.
How successful is TFCC surgery?
Acute peripheral TFCC tears which have been repaired within 3 months of injury give
60-90% good- excellent results
, with 80-90% grip strength and range of motion compared to the contralateral side. Delayed repairs give less predictable results.
How can I speed up my TFCC recovery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks for TFCC tears that don’t require surgery. However, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you regain full use of your wrist if you do need surgery.
Doing physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain your wrist
can help speed up your recovery time.
Can a Malunion be fixed without surgery?
Malunion treatment
Some malunion fractures do not require surgery or treatment because there is not reduced function from the injury
. However, if the broken bone positioning is damaging, surgical treatment may be necessary for a return to a normal functional lifestyle.
How long after having a plate in wrist can I drive?
Conclusions: Most patients could safely return to driving
within 3 weeks of surgery
. Pain was the primary limiting factor affecting driving ability. Safe return to driving may be warranted within 3 weeks of distal radius volar plate fixation in some patients.
How long is recovery from plate and screws in wrist?
Recovery from wrist fracture surgery can take anywhere from
six weeks to four months
, depending on the severity of the injury, and the type of procedure performed.
Is wrist fusion surgery painful?
While you will lose some range of motion after wrist fusion surgery,
you will no longer have pain
, and you will regain the lost strength in your wrist over time. You will once again be able to grip and have strong flexion in your hand. If strength is essential for your line of work, wrist fusion is an excellent option.
How successful are wrist replacements?
Discussion Total wrist replacement maintains itself and provides good pain relief and functional motion in
over 80% of all cases and in 97% of resurfacing implants
. Better results were correlated with improved distal component fixation and minimal resection of the distal radius.
How long does it take for a wrist surgery to heal?
Depending on the type of wrist surgery you get done, your recovery can be anywhere from
4 – 12 weeks
. Most patients are able to heal in about a month and can begin rehabilitation soon after. During the healing period, you should wear appropriate casts or braces as directed by your surgeon.
Can you exercise with TFCC tear?
What percentage of TFCC tears require surgery?
Among the patients with clinical diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, the rate of surgical intervention required after a minimum 4 weeks of immobilization was
43%
.
How long does TFCC surgery take?
The time of surgery varied between
30 to 100 minutes
, the shortest time was for the wrist arthroscopies and the longest for the combined open TFCC repair and tenolysis. As no tourniquet was used, the patients had no discomfort in the arm or hand, not even from the finger traps.
What is a fibrocartilage?
Fibrocartilage is
the tough, very strong tissue found predominantly in the intervertebral disks and at the insertions of ligaments and tendons
; it is similar to other fibrous tissues but contains cartilage ground substance and chondrocytes.
