The wrist is composed of very complex joints that assists with movement in individuals of all ages and abilities. For instance, an active individual who participates in sports such as tennis, football, or gymnastics may increase the probability for wrist complications and injury (Morrison, 2019). Individuals with repetitive trauma from work or leisure activities may also acquire wrist pain. A TFCC tear may also occur unintentionally from an outstretched fall onto the wrist. If you have a client who has experienced one of these examples and continues to experience pain within the wrist region, the TFCC might be the problem! The goal of this post is to improve your understanding of the TFCC and what are some effective treatments options. The dry arthroscopy technique of joint exploration can be utilized to reduce soft tissue infiltration and swelling by the continuous leaking of saline through the portals. If you think your TFCC is torn, see a healthcare provider immediately. Other TFCC conditions can have similar symptoms. But a professional can run tests to see if you have a TFCC tear or another TFCC injury. These examinations can include the following:‌ Physical therapy can also be beneficial for some people with TFCC tears. A physical therapist will guide the person through some gentle stretches, exercises, and activity adjustments for the injured wrist that aim to:

An increase in weight-bearing tolerance and upper extremity use was evident immediately after donning the brace. After 12 weeks, the subject demonstrated a return to normal weight-bearing tolerance and normal DASH outcome measure scores. These improvements were still evident at a 1-year follow-up appointment.A debridement is a surgical option that induces bleeding to stimulate healing. Debridement has beneficial outcomes for central TFCC tears but has been shown to have worse outcomes in degenerative tears or patients with higher positive ulnar variance. The Body Helix TFCC Wrist Brace is the best brace for TFCC tear injuries. It is specific to TFCC degeneration and tears. It will not help with other wrist injuries which may require a different sleeve or wrap.

DRUJ chondral lesions or osteoarthritis: Differentiate via radiographic evidence suggestive of a chondral lesion or osteoarthritis. If a healthcare professional decides that you have a TFCC tear, there are a few ways you can help it heal. To relieve your pain, you can do the following:At the end of the therapy, then move on to Strengthening exercises. The following exercises are all done with a weight in the hands or with a terra tire. [36] Radiographs: may reveal avulsion of ulnar styloid, scaphoid fracture, distal radial fracture, volar tilt of lunate or triquetrum; ulnar variance.

The best outcomes with TFCC injuries will occur when other etiologies of ulnar-sided wrist pain are ruled out with initiation of conservative treatment. Peripheral tears of the TFCC can be repaired with stitches. It is necessary to immobilise the wrist and elbow for weeks after the surgery to allow the tears time to heal. On exam, palpation of the TFCC is best with the wrist in pronation. It is between the flexor carpi ulnaris, ulnar styloid, and os pisiform. Several physical exam tests can suggest the diagnosis of TFCC injury. These include: Letting your forearm relax to see if your fingers curve out toward your pinkie. Curving means you might have a TFCC injury, but not necessarily a tear.

The chances of a TFCC tear increases as you get older. It’s not common in people under 30 years old, but it affects about half of those over 70 years old. If you have preexisting conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, you're at high risk of a TFCC tear. You’re also more likely to tear your TFCC if your ulna bone is longer than your radius bone. Your TFCC is thinner here and can tear easily. Symptoms