What it is
TFCC repair restores stability to the ulnar side of the wrist when the triangular fibrocartilage complex is torn. Arthroscopic or open techniques reattach the tissue to the ulna or repair peripheral tears. The goal is to reduce ulnar‑sided pain and restore rotation control and load tolerance.
Rehabilitation is protection‑first with a staged return to rotation, grip, and weight bearing.
What happens when it occurs
Tissue is repaired and protected in a cast or brace. Early finger and elbow motion prevents stiffness. Forearm rotation and gripping progress carefully, followed by graded loading through the hand.
Common causes and indications
- Persistent pain or instability after a TFCC injury
- High‑demand sport or work roles that require strong rotation control
- Failure of bracing and strengthening programmes
Who is most affected
Athletes in racquet and stick sports and manual workers with rotation‑heavy tasks.
Typical symptoms before surgery
- Ulnar‑sided wrist pain with rotation and load
- Clicking or a sense of giving way
- Reduced tolerance for push and weight bearing
When to seek care
When symptoms persist despite structured rehabilitation, or if instability limits participation in desired sports or work.
How we diagnose
History and examination, including TFCC stress tests, and MRI (often with an arthrogram). Arthroscopy confirms and treats the lesion.
Management
- Immobilisation, then a hinged or removable brace, as healing allows
- Progressive forearm rotation and grip strength
- Shoulder and trunk strength to share the load
- Task practice with graded return to push and weight bearing
Rehabilitation milestones
Phase 1 weeks 0–4: protection in cast or brace, finger and elbow motion, cardio alternatives.
Phase 2 weeks 4–8: begin controlled rotation and light grip, maintain shoulder strength.
Phase 3 weeks 8–12: progressive rotation strength, partial weight bearing through hands.
Phase 4 months 3–6: return to complete sport and work volumes by criteria.
Readiness to progress
- Pain-free rotation within limits
- Grip endurance near pre‑injury levels
- Sport or work drills completed without next‑day symptoms
Long-term care
- Maintain rotation strength and ulnar‑sided stability
- Use technique and equipment that limit extreme wrist angles
- Plan workloads during busy periods
Australia snapshot
- Performed in specialist hand centres across Australia
- Return to sport is common when rotation and load are built in stages
- Public and private pathways support surgery and rehabilitation
Latest insights
Protection sets the stage; rotation strength seals the result.
Equipment size and wrist angles decide comfort during return.
