What should you know about peripheral TFCC tear?

The TFCC is a group of cartilage and supporting tissues on the little-finger side of the wrist. It helps cushion the wrist and support the joint between the forearm bones during rotation and gripping. A peripheral tear occurs near the tissue’s outer attachment, where healing potential and blood supply may differ from the central area. Wrist pain, clicking, reduced grip or discomfort when turning a key can occur, but these symptoms can also have other causes. Examination is needed to assess tenderness, stability and motion.

Reduce movements that reproduce pain, especially forceful twisting, heavy gripping and pushing through the hand. A clinician may use examination and imaging to clarify the tear and check for a fracture or instability. Splinting can rest the wrist while symptoms settle. Physiotherapy may later restore controlled motion, forearm strength and grip once healing allows. In selected cases, a cortisone injection may be discussed for pain or inflammation, but it does not repair every type of tear and should be chosen after assessment.

Seek urgent assessment after a significant injury if the wrist looks deformed, the hand is numb or unusually cold, fingers change colour, or you cannot move or use the hand. Arrange review for persistent wrist pain, repeated clicking with weakness, or a feeling that the wrist gives way. Worsening symptoms despite a splint also deserve reassessment.

Ask where the tear is located, whether the wrist is stable, what the splint should allow, when physiotherapy can begin, and whether an injection or surgical opinion is appropriate for your findings.