Conservative management of a suspected triangular fibrocartilage complex injury utilizing strength training exercises: a case report

Review written by Dr Ian Gatt info

Key Points

  1. Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be due to numerous pathologies, including injuries to the Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC).
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is a common injury among athletes. The TFCC is a primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint, as well as acting as a structure between the lunate and triquetrum (1). A TFCC injury often is accompanied by ulnar sided wrist pain, swelling, clicking, decreased range of motion (ROM), supination-pronation pain, point tenderness, and sometimes a palpable bump over the area as well (2). The patient may also present with weakness in grip strength.

The differential diagnoses include ligament injuries, such as radioulnar ligament, ulnar collateral ligament, ulnar-lunate, and ulno-triquetral ligaments, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy, carpal tunnel, fracture of the ulna styloid process, and ulnar impaction syndrome (1).

The purpose of this case report was to describe the resolution of pain and return to normal function in a patient, likely presenting with TFCC injury.

The TFCC is a primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint, as well as acting as a structure between the lunate and triquetrum.
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In rehabilitation of ulnar sided wrist pain (including TFCC injury); it is important to provide various exercises to strengthen the hand-wrist complex and reduce pain inhibition.

CASE STUDY

Symptoms: A 36-year-old male Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete presented with worsening diffuse left ulnar sided wrist pain with a notable bump over the ulnar side of the distal forearm. No identifiable mechanism of injury and no history of injury in

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