The ligaments and TFCC in the wrist provide stability to the wrist and allow it to have a wide range of motion. Injuries to these structures can not only be painful, but also limit range of motion, making day-to-day tasks difficult or even impossible. If you are suffering from TFCC or ligament injuries, our experienced wrist care specialists and doctors are here to help.

What Is TFCC?

TFCC stands for triangular fibrocartilage complex. This is a structure in the wrist that is responsible for stabilizing the joint and absorbing forces during movement. It is located on the ulnar (pinky finger) side of the wrist. A TFCC injury, also called a TFCC tear, is any damage or tearing in the soft tissues that make up this structure. These injuries usually occur due to sudden impact, repetitive motion, or overuse.

Symptoms of TFCC

Recognizing the symptoms of a TFCC wrist injury is important in order to know when it is time to seek medical treatment. Such symptoms include:

  • Pain on the ulnar (pinky finger) side of the wrist
  • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the wrist
  • Swelling in the wrist
  • Feelings of weakness and instability in the wrist

  • Reduced grip strength
  • Restricted range of motion in the hand or wrist
  • Tenderness in the wrist


If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is important to see a hand and wrist specialist to confirm the presence of a TFCC injury.

TFCC Treatment

For minor TFCC injuries, non-surgical treatment options are usually all that is required. Such treatments include:

  • Rest and Immobilization: This allows the injury time to heal naturally. A TFCC brace may be used to help with immobilization.
  • Medications: NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises focused on strengthening and stabilizing the TFCC.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: These injections are used to reduce swelling and pain.

More severe TFCC injuries may require surgical intervention. This can include:

  • Arthroscopic Repair: A minimally invasive procedure. A small camera and instruments are used to examine, clean, and repair the torn TFCC.
  • Arthroscopic Debridement: A procedure where the torn edges of the TFCC are trimmed to remove scar tissue and stimulate healing.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises focused on strengthening and stabilizing the TFCC.
  • Open Surgery: A more invasive procedure, involving making a large incision in the wrist in order to access and repair the TFCC. This can be necessary for severe tears or when arthroscopic repair is not feasible.

Only a hand and wrist specialist is able to accurately evaluate your TFCC injury and determine which treatment option is appropriate for your specific case.

Ligament Injury in Wrist Symptoms

Ligament injuries can present a wide range of symptoms. These can include:

  • Pain in the wrist
  • Swelling around the wrist joint
  • Bruising around the wrist
  • Tenderness in the wrist area

  • A feeling of warmth in the wrist area
  • A popping or tearing sensation when the injury occurs
  • Limited movement of the wrist
  • Loss of strength in the wrist


A hand and wrist specialist should be seen if any of these symptoms are present. If a ligament injury goes untreated, it can lead to further complications and permanent damage.

Types of Injuries to Ligaments in the Wrist

There are many types of injuries that can happen to the ligaments in the wrist. The most common injuries are:

  • Sprains: The stretching, partial tearing, or complete tearing of the ligaments in the wrist.
  • Triquetrum Avulsion: This is when the ligaments on the back of the wrist are torn. This usually occurs from a fall.
  • Scapholunate Ligament Injury: This is an injury to the ligament connecting the scaphoid and lunate bone. This causes instability in the wrist.
  • Lunotriquetral Ligament Injury: This is an injury to the ligament connecting the lunate and triquetrum bones.

Only a hand and wrist specialist will be able to determine exactly which type of ligament injury you are suffering from.

Treatment for Ligament Injuries in the Wrist

Non-surgical treatments are used for minor to moderate ligament injuries in the wrist. These can include:

  • Rest and Immobilization: This allows the injury time to heal naturally.
  • Medications: NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises focused on strengthening and stabilizing the ligaments in the wrist.
  • Lunotriquetral Ligament Injury: This is an injury to the ligament connecting the lunate and triquetrum bones.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: These injections are used to reduce swelling and pain.

More severe injuries to the ligaments in the wrist may require surgical treatment. This can include:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and specialized tools to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments.
  • Open Surgery: A more invasive procedure where an incision is made to access and repair damaged ligaments. This is necessary for more complex repairs or when arthroscopy is not feasible.
  • Tendon Grafts: Reserved for the most severe cases, a tendon from another part of the body may be used to reconstruct the injured ligament.

After an evaluation, a hand and wrist specialist will be able to determine the appropriate treatment option for your specific ligament injury.

Wrist Ligament Healing Time

Healing time will largely depend on the severity of the damage to the ligaments in the wrist. Minor injuries may be completely healed after 2-3 weeks. On the other hand, the most severe injuries may take up to 6 months to completely heal.

The sooner treatment begins, the shorter the healing process is likely to take. Make an appointment with a hand and wrist specialist today to begin your treatment.