Triangular Fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is a common diagnosis for individuals experiencing ulnar-sided wrist pain. TFCC, a complex ligamentous wrist structure, is a platform for movement and stabilises the joint.
Common causes of TFCC injury include:
- Falling onto internally rotated (pronated) and hyperextended wrist;
- Power-drill injuries in which the drill binds and rotates the wrist instead of the bit;
- Distraction force applied to the volar forearm or wrist; and
- Distal radius fractures.
Diagnoses can be made with plain radiographs, wrist arthrograms and MRIs. Treatment options range from conservative measures involving splinting and analgesia to arthroscopic or open procedures targeting the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC).