What Is A TFCC Tear Of The Wrist?

Anatomy And Function Of The TFCC

The triangular fibrocartilage complex, or TFCC for short, is as the name would suggest a complex of structures. The TFCC is located on the little finger side of the wrist. It is comprised of ligaments, cartilaginous structures and a tendon sheath. The triangular fibrocartilage complex separates the radiocarpal from the distal radioulnar joint. Occupying the area between the radius and ulna at the wrist (the two main long bones, that make up the forearm). The function of the triangular fibrocartilage complex is that of stabilization of the wrist. It helps your wrist move by stabilising the forearm bones (distal radioulnar joint stability). Crucial when grasping objects or rotating your arm. It also helps cushion and support the small bones of the wrist on the little finger side, providing ulnocarpal stability.

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears

A triangular fibrocartilage complex tear can cause chronic wrist pain in some people. There are typically two types of TFCC tears (Type 1 and Type 2).

• Traumatic Tears: A traumatic tear is frequently the result of a fall. These are referred to as Type 1 TFCC tears.
• Degenerative Tears: These are chronic tears, tears that occur over a period of time. Typically the prevalence of these types of tears increase with age. And are referred to as Type 2 TFCC tears.

Symptoms Of TFCC Tears

The main symptom of a triangular fibrocartilage complex tear is pain felt along the little finger side of the wrist. However, sometimes pain may be experienced throughout the entire wrist with a TFCC tear. Any pain experienced with a triangular fibrocartilage complex tear will generally be made worse with moving the wrist from side to side. It may also be aggravated by doing simple functional tasks, such as turning a key in a lock. Likewise, when pressure is applied to the wrist, assisting yourself rising from a chair, or a press up, bench press exercise… Will all commonly cause pain with triangular fibrocartilage complex complaints. Other triangular fibrocartilage complex tear symptoms may include:

• A clicking, or popping sound is frequently associated with pain, moving the wrist into certain positions.
• Tenderness on palpation and swelling in the wrist. Specifically on the little finger side of the wrist.
• Weakness of the wrist. Weakness may be noted as a reduction in grip strength with functional activities around the home, or workplace, and lifting activities at the gym.

Disclaimer: Sydney Physio Clinic does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products mentioned. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance on What Is A TFCC Tear Of The Wrist? should consult his or her general practitioner, sports medicine specialist, orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist.