Wrist Flashcards
Triangular Fibrocartilage Tear
Network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that sits between the ulna and triquetrum in the wrist.
Stabilizes and cushions the wrist, especially when a person rotates their hand or grasps something with it.
Due to its structural complexity, the TFCC is vulnerable to damage, and injuries are common.
TEAR- damage to fibrocartilaginous disc and associated ligaments at the distal end of the ulnar.
causes:
- usually occurs secondary to single direct trauma or repetitive overuse.
-TYPE 1 tear:
– traumatic injury
– falling onto outstretched hands (FOOSH)
- over supination or pronation with use of drill
-TYPE 2 tear:
– overuse/degenerative injury
– repetitive twisting or pulling movements of the wrist (gymnasts)
– sports involving a racket, club, or bat
RF:
- Increased likelihood with age (TFCC degenerates with age)
- ulna congenitally longer than radius increases risk
- previous history of distal radius or ulna fracture puts individuals at an increased risk of a degenerative tear (tear 2)
CP:
- pain on outside (ulnar side) of the wrist
- stiffness or weakness in the wrist
- pain when touching or moving the wrist
- a limited ROM in the hand and wrist
- wrist swelling
- a clicking or popping sound when moving the wrist
- pain with forced pronation or supination of the forearm
- pain with clenched fist combined with ulnar deviation
Differential diagnosis:
- fracture
- carpal instability or dislocation
- ulnar nerve entrapment at Tunnel of Guyon
- extensor and flexor carpi ulnaris pathologies
