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TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Tears, Sports Medicine

Stephen R. Paul, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

  • TFCC tears are part of the spectrum of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Often with clicking, they can be disabling to the athlete.

  • The TFCC acts as a primary stabilizer to the distal radioulnar joint (DR...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • In athletes, there is a history of:

    • Acute trauma such as a fall on an outstretched hand, especially with ulnar load or ulnar deviation.

    • Traction or hyperrotation.

    • Previous Colles fractur...

TREATMENT

  • Initial treatment for traumatic and symptomatic degenerative tears is conservative, for up to 8 to 12 wk and includes:

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), relative rest (avoid pain...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

After initial injury, follow-up should be at 2 to 3 wk to gauge response to immobilization. 

PROGNOSIS

  • Return to play:

    • McAdams 5[C] recommends a conservative approac...

REFERENCES

1
Palmer AK. Triangular fibrocartilage complex lesions: a classification. J Hand Surg Am.  1989;14(4):594–606.
2
Chan JJ, Teunis T, Ring D. Prevalence of triangular fibrocartilage complex...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Ahn AK, Chang D, Plate AM. Triangular fibrocartilage complex tears: a review. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis.  2006;64(3–4):114–118.

  • Coggins CA. Imaging of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Clin Sp...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Ulnar-sided wrist pain has been described as the “low back pain” of the wrist due to the complexity of the functional anatomy, of which the TFCC contributes.

  • A detailed history and care...

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