TFCC injury
Injury to the cartilage complex on the little-finger side of the wrist.
Overview
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) stabilises the little-finger side of the wrist. Injury causes pain there with twisting and weight-bearing. Many cases settle with load management, with surgery for stubborn or unstable injuries.
Symptoms
- Pain on the little-finger side of the wrist
- Pain with twisting (e.g. door handles)
- Clicking and weakness in the grip
- Pain with weight-bearing through the hand
Causes
- A fall onto an outstretched hand
- Repetitive rotational loading
- Age-related wear of the cartilage
Treatment
- Splinting and activity modification
- Graded loading and grip strengthening
- Injection for persistent symptoms
- Surgical opinion for unstable or stubborn cases