TFCC Injury Info
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TFCC injuries — pain on the ulnar side of the wrist, often with clicking, and treatment options.
What you're feeling
You likely feel pain on the pinky side of your wrist. This is where the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) sits. The TFCC is a group of ligaments and cartilage that cushions your wrist joint. You might notice the pain gets worse when you twist your wrist or push down on your hand. Simple tasks like turning a doorknob, opening a jar, or lifting a heavy grocery bag can trigger sharp discomfort.
Daily activities often become difficult because of this pain. Reaching behind your back to fasten a bra may be hard. Tucking in a shirt or pushing yourself up from a chair can feel unstable. You might find it painful to rest your hand on a table while typing or writing. Some people report that the pain flares up at night, making it hard to sleep on the side of the injured wrist.
Even after treatment, many people continue to feel some pain and disability. If you undergo arthroscopic investigation for persistent wrist pain, you can expect about 50% improvement in pain and disability within one year. However, most patients still have some level of pain and disability after a year. Your surgeon will work with you to manage these symptoms, but understanding that moderate levels of pain often persist is important for your recovery plan.
What's actually happening
Your wrist contains a small, triangular cushion called the triangular fibrocartilage complex. Think of it as a gasket or shock absorber between your forearm bones and your hand. It keeps your wrist stable and smooth when you turn your palm or lift heavy objects. When this cushion tears, the smooth surfaces of your bones rub together, causing pain and a feeling of clicking or grinding.
This injury often happens after a fall or a sudden twist. Sometimes, the tear is part of a larger problem where the main stabilizing ligaments in your wrist are also damaged. If you have had a fracture, the joint may become stiff or scarred inside. This scarring prevents the joint from moving freely, making it hard to bend or straighten your wrist fully.
Your surgeon uses a tiny camera to look inside this joint space. This tool helps them see exactly where the tear is and check for other hidden damage that a standard X-ray or MRI might miss. By seeing the problem clearly, your surgeon can clean up the damaged tissue or repair the cushion to stop the pain and restore your movement.
What we can do about it
Your journey usually starts with self-care and guided exercises. You will work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your wrist and improve how it moves. This approach aims to reduce pain and help you use your hand more comfortably. You should give this non-surgical plan a fair chance to work before considering other steps.
If simple care is not enough, your surgeon may discuss medical options to manage your symptoms. These can include pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines to calm the swelling. In some cases, an injection of cortisone, hyaluronic acid, or PRP might be offered to provide relief. While these treatments can help, they do not fix the underlying damage and their effects may fade over time.
When conservative care reaches its limit and pain persists, surgery may be considered. Wrist arthroscopy is a key tool your surgeon uses to look inside the joint and treat the injury directly. This minimally invasive procedure allows for precise diagnosis and treatment of the damaged tissue within your wrist.
When to see someone
Ask for a specialist review if you have persistent wrist pain that does not improve with rest. You should also seek help if you notice weakness, instability, or if your wrist locks or gives way. See your GP if symptoms interfere with your sleep or work, or if you experience a sudden worsening of pain. While wrist arthroscopy is a safe tool for diagnosing and treating these issues, most patients continue to have some pain and disability after one year. You may expect approximately 50% improvement in pain and disability within one year, but moderate levels of pain often persist.
