What is a TFCC tear?

Written By Nick Stamatiou

Understanding your injury – Brisbane Physiotherapy Edition.

Overview of TFCC tears:

Description

- The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lies between the ulnar and the carpus (small bones that form the wrist and part of the hand)

- It is a load-bearing structure and is also the major stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint.

- The TFCC is a common site of wrist pain and is reported to accompany distal radius fractures in 39% to 84% of cases.

Anatomy

- The ‘complex’ consists of the triangular fibrocartilage, ulnar meniscus homolog, ulnar collateral ligament, numerous carpal ligaments and the extensor carpi ulnar tendon sheath.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lies between the ulnar and the carpus (small bones that form the wrist and part of the hand) - It is a load-bearing structure and is also the major stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint.
The ‘complex’ consists of the triangular fibrocartilage, ulnar meniscus homolog, ulnar collateral ligament, numerous carpal ligaments and the extensor carpi ulnar tendon sheath.

Presentation

- Mechanism of injury: compressive loads to the wrist (e.g. gymnastics, diving, golf and racquet sports) may tear the central portion of the cartilage. It can also be disrupted after a distal radial-ulnar fracture or potential with disruption to the distal radioulnar joint.

- Tenderness and swelling over the ulnar aspect of the wrist.

- Pain on resisted wrist movements

- Clicking with wrist range of movement

- Reduced grip strength

- Positive finding on TFCC compression test

- Recreation of symptoms with pushing self up from a sitting position.

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) lies between the ulnar and the carpus (small bones that form the wrist and part of the hand) - It is a load-bearing structure and is also the major stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint.


























































































































Nick Stamatiou

Nick has a strong interest in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy and is motivated to help people reach their desired goals and to achieve their full potential.

His experience includes:

  • Sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapist in a private practice setting

  • Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation inpatient physiotherapist at Brisbane Private Hospital

  • Clinical Reformer and Mat-work Pilates instructor

  • Football gameday physiotherapist

While Nick is skilled in managing all areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, he has a particular interest in the rehabilitation of muscle strains, hip, knee and lower back conditions. Nick offers dry needling, massage and joint mobilisation to compliment exercise prescription.

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