Triangular cartilage of wrist
by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR
Nathan Wei is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.
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The triangular cartilage, or as it is better known, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a small piece of cartilage and ligaments on the little-finger side of the wrist, located just past the end of the forearm bone (ulna).
Cartilage is a tough rubbery tissue that acts as a cushion for the joint. The ligaments are strong bands of tissue that attach the cartilage to bones in the wrist. The ligaments or cartilage can be torn during a wrist injury. The TFCC is the major ligamentous stabilizer of the joint between the ends of the arm bone and the small bones of the wrist on the little finger side.
Functions of the TFCC are as follows:
• Provides a continuous gliding surface across the entire face of the 2 forearm bones for bending and extending of the wrist
• Provides a flexible mechanism for stable rotational movements of the wrist
• Cushions the forces transmitted through the little finger side of the wrist
• Solidly connects the little finger side of the wrist to the palm side of the wrist
TFCC injuries are usually caused by:
• a fall onto the outstretched hand
• a direct blow to the little finger side of the wrist or hand
• swinging a bat or a racquet
• a violent twist of the wrist at work or in sports.
Symptoms include:
• pain on the little-finger side of the wrist
• clicking sound or feeling or a catching sensation when moving the wrist.
Among tests your physician may order are:
• x-rays
• an MRI (magnetic resonance image
• arthroscopy may be necessary to diagnose the tear. Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small fiber-optic scope is inserted into your wrist so your doctor can look inside your wrist.
The treatment of TFCC injuries include:
• using protective support such as a splint or a cast
• putting ice on your wrist for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day
• taking anti-inflammatory medicines
• doing wrist rehabilitation exercises
• having an injection of cortisone
A complete tear may require surgery. Many tears become painless with rest and time even if they don't actually heal.
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