What should you know about right wrist TFCC tear?

The triangular fibrocartilage complex is a group of cartilage and ligament structures between the forearm bones and the small-finger side of the wrist. It helps stabilise the wrist during gripping and forearm rotation. A tear may follow a fall, a twisting force, or repeated loading; tissue changes can also make it vulnerable over time. Symptoms may include ulnar-sided wrist pain, clicking or catching, tenderness, reduced grip, and discomfort when turning a door handle or using a tool. A clinician compares both wrists and checks stability, movement, strength, and nearby tendons. Imaging may be considered when the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Pause activities that combine gripping with twisting, and keep loads close to the body. A wrist splint may reduce painful movement while the injury is assessed. Do not repeatedly test the wrist by forcing rotation or pressing through a click. Physiotherapy can restore movement and strength with a staged programme after the irritated tissues are protected. A cortisone injection may be discussed in selected cases, but it is not suitable for every tear and does not replace diagnosis. Persistent instability or symptoms despite non-surgical care may lead to a specialist discussion about other options.

Obtain urgent assessment after a major injury if the wrist is deformed, the hand is numb or cold, or fingers change colour. Arrange timely review for marked swelling, severe pain, inability to rotate the forearm, or a wrist that feels unstable. Ongoing pain, catching, or loss of grip should be evaluated because a fracture, ligament injury, or tendon problem can resemble a TFCC tear.

Where is the suspected tear, and is the wrist stable? Do I need imaging? How long should I use a splint? When can therapy begin, and what would make an injection or specialist referral reasonable?