Guidelines

How do you rehab a TFCC injury?

How do you rehab a TFCC injury?

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

  1. Apply light compression by wrapping the wrist a specific way, using a compressive wrap.
  2. Rest the area by avoiding any activity that causes pain in the wrist.
  3. Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours.
  4. Begin using a splint or brace to protect the TFCC.

Where is the TFCC located?

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that sits between the ulna and radius bones on the small finger side of the wrist. The TFCC stabilizes and cushions the wrist, particularly when a person rotates their hand or grasps something with it.

What is a central TFCC tear?

Overview. This condition is a degenerative or traumatic tear of one or more parts of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which stabilizes the ulna. The TFCC is composed of a group of ligaments that form connections between the radius, ulna and the carpal bones of the hand.

How can I speed up my TFCC recovery?

Recovery usually takes a few weeks for TFCC tears that don’t require surgery. However, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you regain full use of your wrist if you do need surgery. Doing physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain your wrist can help speed up your recovery time.

Does TFCC pain go away?

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.

How successful is TFCC surgery?

Acute peripheral TFCC tears which have been repaired within 3 months of injury give 60-90% good- excellent results, with 80-90% grip strength and range of motion compared to the contralateral side. Delayed repairs give less predictable results.

How bad does a TFCC tear hurt?

The main symptom of a TFCC tear is pain along the outside of your wrist, though you might also feel pain throughout your entire wrist. The pain may be constant or only appear when you move your wrist or apply pressure to it. Other symptoms of a TFCC tear include: a clicking or popping sound when you move your wrist.

What does a torn TFCC feel like?

Common symptoms of a TFCC tear include pain at the base of the wrist that worsens with movement, swelling, tenderness, loss of grip strength and a clicking sound in the wrist. In some cases, it may be difficult or impossible to rotate your forearm.

Why is my TFCC not healing?

The cartilage and ligaments composing the TFCC are prone to degeneration and tearing. They do not have a good blood supply and therefore, injuries do not heal well.

Can you live with a TFCC tear?

Living 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.

Do you need a cast after TFCC surgery?

After you have undergone TFCC repair surgery your wrist will be immobilised is a cast or bulky dressing. You will experience some pain which you will be given pain relief for.