What is a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear?

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a small cartilage located on the little finger side of the wrist between the forearm bone (ulnar) and the hand bone (triquetrum). It causes pain in the little finger side of the wrist and is aggravated by twisting the forearm and weight bearing through the wrist, for example on all fours or a press up. A tear in the TFCC can occur due to overuse of the wrist, falling onto your hand, and lifting heavy weighs in the gym. They can also occur for no apparent reason at all.

Resting from the movements and activities that cause your pain, a course of physiotherapy and a wrist splint can be useful to settle your symptoms. If your pain persists, an ultrasound guided steroid injection can provide rapid pain relief. Steroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication and reduces the pain related to the TFCC tear. A steroid injection can significantly reduce your pain, allowing you to restore full range of movement and strength at the wrist and return to normal function. Surgery is reserved for cases that fail to improve with an injection.

What are the symptoms of a triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear?

The symptoms of a TFCC tear are:

Pain and swelling at the little finger side of the wrist.
Pain worsening as the wrist is bent from side to side and when weight bearing through the wrist e.g., during a press up or training with heavy weights
Painful clicking in the wrist.

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