Symptoms of a TFCC tear include
pain on the outside of the wrist, reduced range of motion, swelling in the wrist, popping or clicking when moving the wrist, or limited ability to grasp objects
. While anyone can develop TFCC, athletes, being over 50 and having chronic inflammation are risk factors for developing TFCC.
What are the symptoms of a TFCC tear?
Symptoms of a TFCC tear include
pain on the outside of the wrist, reduced range of motion, swelling in the wrist, popping or clicking when moving the wrist, or limited ability to grasp objects
. While anyone can develop TFCC, athletes, being over 50 and having chronic inflammation are risk factors for developing TFCC.
Will TFCC heal on its own?
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.
What is the most common Moi of the TFCC?
The TFCC stabilizes the wrist at the distal radioulnar joint. It also acts as a focal point for force transmitted across the wrist to the ulnar side.
Traumatic injury or a fall onto an outstretched hand
is the most common mechanism of injury. The hand is usually in a pronated or palm down position.
Will an MRI show TFCC tear?
Standard MRI can achieve high performance in detection
of the TFCC tear. In a recent study, Zlatkin et al. found that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 92%, 89% and 91% respectively (4).
How bad does a TFCC tear hurt?
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.
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.
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
.
How can I improve my TFCC?
- Wrist flexion: Hold a can or hammer handle in your hand with your palm facing up. Bend your wrist upward. …
- Wrist extension: Hold a soup can or small weight in your hand with your palm facing down. …
- Grip strengthening: Squeeze a soft rubber ball and hold the squeeze for 5 seconds.
Can I still workout with a 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.
Is TFCC surgery painful?
Symptoms after TFCC repair surgery
You
will experience some pain
which you will be given pain relief for. Your wrist will appear swollen and may be tender to touch therefore you will be advised to keep your wrist elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible.
Can you sprain your TFCC?
The
TFCC can be strained or torn from over-swinging or from grounding the golf club forcefully
, causing pain. The wrists are locked when you hold a club, but once the club swings, the wrist movement may cause pain in the TFCC region. Also, a sudden injury to the pinky side of the wrist may sprain or tear the TFCC.
How do you get a TFCC tear?
What causes a TFCC tear? There are two types of TFCC tears:
traumatic and degenerative
. Traumatic tears typically result from falling on an outstretched hand, excessive arm rotation or a blow to the wrist. Athletes are at risk, especially those who use a racquet, bat or club or put pressure on the wrists.
What makes up the TFCC?
The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex is the ligamentous and cartilaginous structures that separate the radiocarpal from the distal radioulnar joint. The TFCC consists of
an articular disc, meniscus homologue, ulnocarpal ligament, dorsal & volar radioulnar ligament and extensor carpi ulnaris sheath
.
Does wrist MRI need contrast?
Intravenous gadolinium contrast
is not needed to characterise internal
derangements of the wrist and hand.
Does your whole body go in for a wrist MRI?
In addition, patients in need of a wrist exam
only need to insert their arm in the MRI machine
, rather than their entire body.
