TFC Injuries

If you have pain on the pinky finger side of your wrist following a fall or twisting injury, you may have injured the Triangular Fibrocartilage (TFC). These injuries are sometimes missed as they do not show up on plain x-rays or ultrasound scans. A hand therapist or hand surgeon however can perform clinical tests to determine if the TFC is likely to have been injured, and the diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI scan.

What is the TFC ?

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is an important structure which lies between the end of the ulna and the carpal bones in the wrist. It is made up of several ligaments and a cartilaginous disc component. The ligaments play an important role in stabilising the wrist and forearm bones when we grip an object and turn our palm up and down. The cartilaginous portion is like the brake pad in a car; it helps to absorb force when we push through our hands, like when we get up out of a chair, so people with a TFC injury will have pain on weight bearing, such as doing a push up.

How does a TFC injury occur?

Injuries to the TFC are usually the result of a very forceful twisting of the wrist, such as falling backwards onto the hand, or a power drill catching and spinning the wrist around.

What are the symptoms of a TFC injury?

Symptoms of a TFC injury typically include:

• Pain localized to the little finger side of the wrist

• Swelling over the little finger side of the wrist

• Pain that is made worse when rotating the forearm to turn palm up or down

• Pain on weightbearing through the wrist

• Pain aggravated by strong gripping

• There may be a clicking sensation when rotating the forearm

• There may be tingling in the little finger due to irritation of the ulnar nerve from swelling

At Bayside Hand Therapy our therapists perform special tests to assess the wrist for ligament injuries. They can also determine whether further investigations and/or a referral to a hand surgeon may be required.

Custom-made splint used in early phase of treatment for TFC injury.

Conservative treatment of TFC injuries will usually involve:

• Fitting a custom-made splint to facilitate healing, followed by a wrist brace to support and reduce load on the TFC

• Treatment modalities to reduce pain and inflammation

• Education on how to protect the injured structure

• Tailoring a home exercise program to strengthen specific muscles which provide stability to the wrist

  
  

Wrist widget used in later stage rehabilitation of TFC injuries.

If you think you may have a TFC injury, please contact us today on 33967798 so we can get you on the road to recovery.