How is triangular fibrocartilage complex diagnosed?

TFCC tears are often diagnosed using the fovea test, also called the ulnar fovea sign. To do this, your doctor will apply pressure to the outside of your wrist and ask if you feel any pain or tenderness.

Will an MRI show TFCC tear?

Plain MRI scan Standard MRI can achieve high performance in detection of the TFCC tear. In a recent study, Zlatkin et al. found that the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 92%, 89% and 91% respectively (4).

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.

Where does a TFCC tear hurt?

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.

What causes triangular fibrocartilage complex?

What causes a TFCC tear? There are two types of TFCC tears: traumatic and degenerative. Traumatic tears typically result from falling on an outstretched hand, excessive arm rotation or a blow to the wrist. Athletes are at risk, especially those who use a racquet, bat or club or put pressure on the wrists.

What is a triangular fibrocartilage tear?

A TFCC tear is an injury to the triangular fibrocartilage complex, soft tissues in the wrist that cushion and support the carpal bones and help stabilize the forearm. Injuries range from mild to severe, but all can disable the wrist.

Does xray show TFCC?

These ligaments can be difficult or sometimes impossible to see using an X-Ray or Ultrasound, which explains why these scans rarely show the true damage. An MRI is the best test to show damage to these important ligaments. TFCC heal more slowly because there is little or no blood supply.

Does triangular fibrocartilage heal?

In many cases, a TFCC tear will heal on its own. However, a person will need to avoid using the affected wrist to prevent further injury and to allow it to heal properly. A healthcare professional may also recommend wearing a splint, brace, or cast to protect and immobilize the wrist.

What is the function of the triangular fibrocartilage complex?

The Triangular FibroCartilage Complex, or TFCC, is an important structure in the wrist. The TFCC is made of tough fibrous tissue and cartilage. This tissue supports the joints between the end of the forearm bones (radius and ulna), adding to their stability.

How is a TFCC tear test done on the wrist?

TFCC tear test TFCC tears are often diagnosed using the fovea test, also called the ulnar fovea sign. To do this, your doctor will apply pressure to the outside of your wrist and ask if you feel any pain or tenderness. They’ll do the same to your unaffected wrist for comparison.

What causes a torn cartilage in the TFCC?

There are two types of TFCC tears, depending on the cause: Type 1 TFCC tears. These tears are caused by an injury. Type 2 TFCC tears. These tears are caused by the slow breakdown of the cartilage in your TFCC, usually due to age or an underlying condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Which is more likely to tear the TFCC?

In patients whose ulna is longer than the radius at the wrist, the TFCC is usually thinner and more likely to tear. A TFCC tear involves the triangular fibrocartilage complex.