What is triangular fibrocartilage tear?
A triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear or sprain occurs when the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), a cartilage structure that joins the end of the forearm to the small wrist bones on the pinkie side, is strained due to an injury or a golf swing.
Can TFCC tear heal without surgery?
The quick answer to this question is yes, a TFCC tear can heal without surgery. It’s important to understand that the area toward the outside of the wrist will heal better without surgery, and it may take some time for your pain to improve.
How serious is a TFCC tear?
Most minor TFCC tears can heal on their own with rest and therapy. Surgery can fix more severe tears. Most people with TFCC tears regain full function within 12 weeks of surgery.
How do you treat triangular fibrocartilage complex injury?
TFCC can often be treated with self-care including: Ice the joint for 10 minutes at a time. Compress the area with an ace bandage. Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen for pain or swelling.
What percentage of TFCC tears require surgery?
Among the patients with clinical diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, the rate of surgical intervention required after a minimum 4 weeks of immobilization was 43%.
Can you live with a TFCC tear?
While most people fully recover from a TFCC tear through either physical therapy or surgery, you may still feel mild pain or stiffness in your wrist for several years. Work with your doctor to manage any residual pain or stiffness.
Can you lift weights with TFCC tear?
In all cases, during the initial inflammatory period rest (so no training, lifting or gymnastics), ice and immobilization are the recommended protocols. The best position for the injured wrist is in a neutral position (see left) and supported by a brace.
How long do TFCC tears take to heal?
For TFCC tears that don’t require surgery, recovery usually takes about four to six weeks. If you do need surgery, it may take anywhere from six weeks to several months before you regain full use of your wrist.
How long does a TFCC tear take to heal?
Do you get a cast after TFCC surgery?
What to expect after surgery? You will have a splint or cast covering your arm from elbow to wrist to keep you from either moving your wrist or rotating your forearm. You will also not be able to move your elbow.
What should you avoid with a TFCC tear?
Sprained or torn TFCC ligaments can cause pain.
…
Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?
- Avoid falling on your hand.
- Avoid repetitive, high-impact activities using the hands.
- Use a brace or taping.
- Gradually increase any athletic activity, rather than suddenly increasing the activity amount or intensity.
What is the recovery time for TFCC surgery?
How long does a TFCC repair surgery take?
The time of surgery varied between 30 to 100 minutes, the shortest time was for the wrist arthroscopies and the longest for the combined open TFCC repair and tenolysis.
Does cortisone shot help TFCC tear?
Cortisone injections can help with pain and inflammation from TFCC tears. Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory and should be directed to the exact site of the tear.
Are you in a cast after TFCC surgery?
You will have your first post- operative appointment with our office approximately two weeks after your procedure with one of your surgeon’s Physician Assistants. Your sutures and splint will be removed at this appointment, and you will be placed into a cast.
What happens if you don’t treat a TFCC tear?
The TFCC is what keeps the bones in the forearms, called the radius and ulna, from pulling apart. It works like a shock absorber for the joints on your hands, therefore, a tear, lesion or injury in the TFCC may cause acute wrist pain. If left untreated the pain may become chronic.
How long after TFCC surgery Can you drive?
Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain and discomfort. You can apply ice to reduce the swelling. You will be taught strengthening and stretching exercises to regain range-of-motion of the wrist. It is recommended that you avoid driving for at least 2 months after the surgery.
When do you need surgery for TFCC tear?
Your doctor will likely recommend about six weeks of physical therapy. This involves doing gentle exercises to help you rebuild strength in your TFCC. If resting your wrist and physical therapy don’t provide any relief, you may need surgery to repair the tear.