TFCC Injury
Definition
The TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) is soft tissue that surrounds and stabilizes the DRUJ (distal radioulnar joint). It consists of a wedged shaped central disk and superficial and deep radioulnar ligaments.
Symptoms
- Ulnar-sided (little finger side) wrist pain
- Increases with forearm rotation and gripping
- Pain can be deep and aching in quality
- Pain may be associated with audible clicking
Pathology
- Pain with the TFCC can be traumatic or insidious (non-traumatic)
- Traumatic rotational forearm/wrist injuries often occur during athletic activity and car accidents
- Non-traumatic TFCC:
- Positive ulnar variance (long ulna in relation to radius)
- Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome
Treatment
Non-surgical
- Rest, activity modifications, removable splint, ice and NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
- Corticosteroid injection
Surgical
- Indicated when non-operative treatment fails.
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Joint leveling/ulnar shortening osteotomy
- See Post-op Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy information for information on surgical recovery.