It important to note, the TFCC alone may not be injured and ulnar sided wrist pain can be commonly associated with additional wrist conditions such as ulnar carpal instability, distal radioulnar joint DRUJ involvement, or ulnar impaction. Recovery from a TFCC tear can range from wearing a splint or cast for several weeks to having surgery.
This particular post will address how long it takes to recover from a TFCC tear without surgery. Conservative treatment of a TFCC tear can take upwards of 12 weeks, although this protocol may vary amongst orthopedic specialists.
If the wrist is stable then conservative, or non-operative treatment, may be effective. However, surgery may be indicated if the wrist is unstable and additional structures are injured.
Initially, if the wrist is found to be unstable and a conservative approach is attempted then a long arm or muenster orthosis limiting both forearm rotation and wrist motion may be indicated for 6 weeks.
Followed by 2 additional weeks of immobilization to the wrist only. If the wrist is stable, then immobilization of TFCC tear in a wrist cast or splint is recommended for weeks.
This will allow scar tissue to develop at the injury site. Occasionally, a steroid injection may be needed to calm swelling and decrease inflammation. Usually around weeks, a slow progression of gentle range of motion, stability exercises, and protected daily use will begin. Continued protection of the wrist with taping, or the Bullseye Wrist Band , should be continued after the initial 6 weeks.
It is important to monitor symptoms and avoid weight bearing into the wrist for weeks. A healthcare professional may also recommend wearing a splint, brace, or cast to protect and immobilize the wrist. They may also prescribe pain medications, such as ibuprofen or steroid injections, to help reduce pain and swelling.
Physical therapy can also be beneficial for some people with TFCC tears. A physical therapist will guide the person through some gentle stretches, exercises, and activity adjustments for the injured wrist that aim to:.
For people with severe or persistent TFCC tears, a doctor may recommend surgery. One surgical option is a type of minimally invasive procedure called an arthroscopy. During an arthroscopy, a surgeon will make a number of small incisions on the outer edge of the wrist, which allows them to repair the damage to the TFCC.
Sometimes, they may also shorten the ulna to alleviate symptoms. The wrist must remain immobilized for up to 6 weeks following surgery. A case study from suggests that TFCC tears that do not require surgery can take up to 12 weeks to fully heal. Following surgery, a TFCC tear may take around 3 months to heal completely. Doing some gentle exercises can help restore mobility and strength to the wrist following a TFCC tear. Exercises can include:. They can result from sports injuries, overuse of the wrist, and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
TFCC tears are also more common in older people. TFCC tears often get better without treatment, but a person will need to avoid using their wrist while the injury heals. Doctors perform tendon repair surgery to fix a tendon injury.
Tendons are tough, stretchy tissues that join muscles to bone. Their job is to allow the…. We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism.
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