How long does it take for a TFCC tear to heal?
TFCC tears that do not require surgery can take as long as 12 weeks to heal. If you have surgery to repair the TFCC, your doctor will prescribe a brace to keep the wrist immobilized for up to six weeks after surgery. A TFCC tear can take as long as three months to heal after surgery.
What happens if a TFCC tear goes untreated?
The TFCC is what keeps the bones in the forearms, called the radius and ulna, from pulling apart. It works like a shock absorber for the joints on your hands, therefore, a tear, lesion or injury in the TFCC may cause acute wrist pain. If left untreated the pain may become chronic.
How do you fix a TFCC tear?
For people with severe or persistent TFCC tears, a doctor may recommend surgery. One surgical option is a type of minimally invasive procedure called an arthroscopy. During an arthroscopy, a surgeon will make a number of small incisions on the outer edge of the wrist, which allows them to repair the damage to the TFCC.
Are TFCC tears serious?
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.
Can TFCC 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.
What does a torn TFCC feel like?
The main symptom of a TFCC tear is pain along the outside of your wrist, though you might also feel pain throughout your entire wrist. The pain may be constant or only appear when you move your wrist or apply pressure to it. Other symptoms of a TFCC tear include: a clicking or popping sound when you move your wrist.
Does TFCC need surgery?
Recovery usually takes a few weeks for TFCC tears that don’t require surgery. However, it may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months before you regain full use of your wrist if you do need surgery. Doing physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain your wrist can help speed up your recovery time.
What should you avoid with a TFCC tear?
To help prevent a TFCC tear, your physical therapist may advise you to:
- Avoid falling on your hand.
- Avoid repetitive, high-impact activities using the hands.
- Use a brace or taping.
- Gradually increase any athletic activity, rather than suddenly increasing the activity amount or intensity.
How painful is a TFCC tear?
Do you get a cast after TFCC surgery?
What to expect after surgery? You will have a splint or cast covering your arm from elbow to wrist to keep you from either moving your wrist or rotating your forearm. You will also not be able to move your elbow.
Are you in a cast after TFCC surgery?
Can I lift with a TFCC tear?
In all cases, during the initial inflammatory period rest (so no training, lifting or gymnastics), ice and immobilization are the recommended protocols. The best position for the injured wrist is in a neutral position (see left) and supported by a brace.
How successful is TFCC surgery?
After debridement of acute central tears, 70-80% of patients report complete relief of pain. Acute peripheral TFCC tears which have been repaired within 3 months of injury give 60-90% good- excellent results, with 80-90% grip strength and range of motion compared to the contralateral side.
Do they put you to sleep for TFCC surgery?
TFCC repair is performed under general anesthesia (you’ll be asleep for the procedure) and is often done with the help of an arthroscope, a miniature surgical instrument with a tiny camera on the end.
Is TFCC tear painful?
For some, a TFCC tear may not cause any pain or instability problems in a wrist. Often, MRI studies show tears in people with no pain or problems using the wrist. Others may experience some or all of the following symptoms: Clicking or popping while turning the forearm or moving the wrist from side to side.
Do you need a cast after TFCC surgery?
When is surgery required for TFCC?
Surgery to repair a damaged TFCC is required in order to reduce symptoms such as pain, instability and weakness that lead to reduced function in the forearm, wrist and hand.