What should you know about TFCC ligament tear?

The TFCC includes ligaments as well as cartilage. Its ligament parts help connect and steady the wrist and the ends of the forearm bones. A tear may happen with a fall onto the hand, a twisting force, or repeated strain. Pain near the little finger, clicking, reduced confidence in the wrist, and difficulty turning the palm up or down can occur. A ligament tear does not automatically mean the wrist is permanently unstable; stability and the exact injured area need clinical assessment.

Protect the wrist from painful lifting, pushing and twisting while arranging an assessment. A splint can reduce movement during an irritated phase, and physiotherapy can then address range of motion, forearm control and progressive strengthening. The clinician may use targeted tests and imaging to judge whether the ligament is stable. A cortisone injection may sometimes be discussed for pain, but it does not replace evaluation of mechanical instability. Return to sport or manual work should be gradual and symptom-guided.

Seek urgent assessment after trauma if the wrist is visibly out of position, the fingers cannot move normally, or the hand is numb, cold, pale or blue. Arrange medical review for persistent pain, repeated giving-way, painful clicking, or difficulty using the hand for ordinary tasks. Worsening symptoms deserve reassessment even if the original injury seemed minor.

Ask whether the tear affects wrist stability, what movements should be protected, and whether a splint should be worn during work or sleep. Ask how physiotherapy will be paced and what findings would change the treatment plan.