Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury Surgery
Overview
If you have TFCC you may have just experienced a fall on your hand or wrist which caused you to twist or fracture the end of the radius. Now you might be experiencing clicking while turning your forearm, swelling, pain, weakness, or limited motion.
How to Prepare for Surgery
You won’t be able to eat the day you have surgery. You should be able to continue drinking water as normal. Just avoid drinking other beverages, like soda, juice, or milk. We may also ask that you quit taking certain medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs a few days before surgery. Make sure we know what medications you take regularly. Plan to wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to change into after surgery.
Procedure
This surgery is outpatient minimally invasive surgery which means you will be able to return home after you wake up. Some tears can be fixed by removing the torn edges and damaged tissue. Other tears will need to be repaired using stitches. Sometimes the arm bone on the pinky side (ulna) puts pressure on the TFCC creating what’s known as an Ulnar Impaction Syndrome. We will treat this by cutting the bone down to the appropriate length.
Recovery
When you wake up from surgery you will be in a cast or splint. You will keep this cast or splint on for several weeks. After you will begin physical therapy in order to get your wrist back to full function.
Efficacy
We are able to stabilize the tear using stitches or removing the damaged edges allowing the network of ligaments, tendons and cartilage to grow in a healthy environment.
Complications
Possible complications include infection, blood loss, and nerve damage as with any surgery.
Outlook
Increased chance of tearing occurs in older adults, people who play sports, and those with chronic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis and gout).