The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a small cushion of cartilage and ligaments on the little-finger side of the wrist. It can be injured by a fall onto the hand or a forceful twist, and it also wears with age. It causes pain on the outer edge of the wrist when twisting, gripping or pushing up from a chair, and most cases are first treated with a period of support and rehabilitation.
Also known as triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, ulnar-sided wrist pain, TFCC tear
Anatomy: where the problem is
Palm view of the wrist and hand. Highlighted in the diagram: TFCC.
Symptoms
- Pain on the little-finger side of the wrist
- Pain when twisting the forearm, such as turning a key, opening a jar or using a screwdriver
- Pain when pushing up from a chair or taking weight through the hands
- Clicking or catching in the wrist
- A weaker grip
- A feeling that the wrist is unstable in more severe injuries
Causes and risk factors
- A fall onto an outstretched hand
- A forceful twist of the wrist or forearm, such as a drill catching
- Racket, bat and club sports, and gymnastics
- Age-related wear of the cartilage
- A forearm bone (ulna) that is slightly longer than usual, which increases the load on that side of the wrist
- A previous wrist fracture
What the evidence says helps
- Scan findings need matching with symptoms and examination, because TFCC changes are common in people with no wrist pain.2
- Most injuries where the wrist is stable are first treated without surgery: a splint or brace for several weeks, avoiding painful twisting and loading, then graded strengthening.1
- A steroid injection is sometimes used if pain persists.1
- Keyhole surgery to trim or repair the tear is considered when symptoms continue after a good trial of conservative care, or when the joint between the forearm bones is unstable.1
- The same review noted a lack of evidence that treating TFCC changes found on a scan improves symptoms better than placebo, which supports trying rehabilitation first.2
Things you can try at home
- Rest the wrist from forceful twisting, heavy gripping and weight-bearing through the hands for a few weeks
- Use a wrist support for tasks that provoke pain, if a clinician has advised one
- Keep the fingers, elbow and shoulder moving
- Reintroduce grip and forearm strengthening gradually
- Change how you push up from a chair: use your fists or forearms, not a bent-back wrist
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- A wrist or hand that looks deformed, or severe pain and swelling after a fall: go to A&E or a minor injuries unit
- A hot, red, swollen joint with a fever or feeling unwell: get same-day medical help
- Numbness or weakness in the hand that is getting worse: see your GP promptly
- Fingers that turn white, blue or very cold and painful: get urgent medical help
- Pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist after a fall: get an X-ray, as this can be a scaphoid fracture
How Apollo can help
We test the stability of the wrist and the joint between the two forearm bones, and check grip strength and the movements that reproduce your pain. If the wrist is stable, we plan a period of protection followed by graded strengthening of the forearm and grip, with hands-on treatment where it helps. We advise on work, gym and sport changes while it settles. If the wrist is unstable, locking or not improving, we write to your GP about a scan and a hand specialist opinion.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How long does a TFCC injury take to heal?
Minor injuries often settle over six to twelve weeks with a period of support and gradual strengthening. More significant tears can take several months, and some need surgery.
Do I need a scan for wrist pain on the little-finger side?
Not always. Many cases can be diagnosed and managed from the history and examination. A scan is useful if the wrist is unstable, if symptoms persist or if surgery is being considered. Scans often show TFCC wear in people without pain, so results need careful interpretation.
Can I keep training with a TFCC injury?
Usually, with changes. Avoid loaded twisting and weight-bearing through a bent-back wrist, such as press-ups on flat hands, until it has settled. Using fists or handles to keep the wrist straight is often more comfortable.
References
- Sachar K (2012). Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain: Evaluation and Treatment of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears, Ulnocarpal Impaction Syndrome, and Lunotriquetral Ligament Tears. The Journal of Hand Surgery 37:1489-1500. View source
- Chan JJ, Teunis T, Ring D (2014). Prevalence of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Abnormalities Regardless of Symptoms Rise With Age: Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® 472:3987-3994. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
