Type of Wrist Injury – Triangular Fibrocartilaginous Complex
What is it?
Triangular Fibrocartilaginous Complex (TFCC) is a term used to describe a weight-bearing structure between the three hand bones—lunate, triquetrum, and head of ulna. Its role is to stabilise and support the wrist. People with TFCC injury often present with pain on the ulnar aspect of the wrist, with possible clicking on movements of the wrist and elbow. They will also experience pain when loading their wrists, for example, when leaning on them or doing push-ups.
How does it occur/injure?
TFCC injury can occur when excessive or repetitive force is transmitted on the TFCC while the wrist drops into a rotation movement. Common sports that may stress the TFCC include gymnastics, boxing, baseball, tennis, and even golf. This is due to the position of the wrist while holding the club/racquet.
Signs and symptoms of a wrist injury
TFCC injury can either be acute or chronic in nature. There may be a gradual development of pain, or there may be an associated event that develops pain in the wrist. Signs and symptoms of TFCC injury may include:
- Pain on the outer wrist when it is touched or moved
- Stiffness and weakness of the wrist
- Reduced wrist range of motion
- Swelling in the wrist
- Popping or clicking during wrist movement
- Reduced grip strength
Diagnosis
Your GP or physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive subjective and objective assessment, looking for the aforementioned signs and symptoms. If the diagnosis is unclear, they may refer you to further imaging, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.
Treating your wrist injury with a Physiotherapist
If your GP diagnoses you with a TFCC injury, they may prescribe medications and recommend icing and compressing the area. If the pain persists, they may refer you to a local physiotherapist for wrist rehabilitation, which may include a mix of bracing/splinting, stretches, and strengthening exercises to address symptoms and return you to doing daily tasks pain-free or returning to sport.
To book an appointment with the friendly team at Hoppers Physio, call the clinic on (03) 9749 5110 or make an appointment by booking online.