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TFCC Tear: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

TFCC or the triangular fibrocartilage complex is placed in the little finger of the wrist. It not only supports the small sized carpal bones but also allows the flexion, pronation, supination, deviation, and rotation of the wrist joint. The radius and the ulna (two bones of the forearm) are stabilized by this cartilaginous tissue. An injury to the TFCC may lead to dysfunction and chronic wrist pain.

TFCC Tears can be classified into two types:

  • Type 1 Tears- these are the traumatic tears caused by direct injury to the joint
  • Type 2 Tears- these are the degenerative type of tears that occur over a period of time as the body ages

Causes

  • Falling on an outstretched hand
  • Process of aging can cause wear and tear of the soft tissues. People above the age of 50 years are at a greater risk
  • If the wrist or arm is rotated excessively or beyond comfort level
  • Inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Injuries caused while playing tennis, basketball, squash, etc.
  • Fractures in the wrist
  • If the length of the ulna is longer, it may cause more stress on the TFCC. This is called the Ulnar Impaction Syndrome

Symptoms

  • A clicking sound in the wrist when it is moved
  • Pain may felt at the base of the little finger and when the wrist is rotated
  • Inability to grip objects
  • Inflammation
  • Weakness in the hand and wrist

Diagnosis

  • The wrist may be manipulated manually by an orthopedic doctor to check for the exact location of the pain
  • The patient’s medical history and lifestyle activities may be analyzed
  • X-ray imaging may be required to check for bone damage and fractures
  • MRI testing may show the condition of the tissue and cartilage
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • An injectible dye may be used to highlight lesions if any in the joint

Treatment

The following methods of treatment may be applied to treat the condition:

  • Use of a splint or a cast to stabilize the wrist for about 6 weeks
  • Straps that support the wrist may be used if the condition has not deteriorated much
  • Prescription of anti inflammatory medicines and pain killers
  • Injecting corticosteroids directly into the joint for immediate relief
  • Surgery may be suggested only when the condition does not improve through conservative therapy. Arthroscopic surgery may be preformed to remove the damaged tissue and cartilage structures
  • The torn tissues may be fixed using sutures
  • Surgical shortening of the ulnar bone
  • Ultrasound therapy may be helpful in some cases
  • Occupational therapy and activity modification may be required post-surgery to restore complete joint function

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.