Hand & wrist · Wrist arthroscopy
Arthroscopic treatment for damaged tissue in the wrist’s triangular fibrocartilage complex. Meet your specialist and understand what to expect before booking.
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Shoulder & upper extremity surgery
View surgeon profileThe triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a cartilage and ligament structure on the pinky side of the wrist. When tears occur in the central portion of the TFCC — where blood supply is limited — the tissue cannot heal on its own.
TFCC debridement is an arthroscopic procedure that trims the damaged, unstable tissue down to a smooth, stable edge. The goal is to remove the torn flaps that catch and cause pain, allowing the wrist to move more freely.
The appropriate treatment depends on where the tear is located and whether it can heal.
Best for central tears where blood supply is poor and healing is unlikely. The damaged tissue is trimmed to create a smooth edge.
Best for peripheral tears where good blood supply allows healing. The torn tissue is sutured back to its attachment.
Your surgeon will determine the appropriate approach based on MRI findings and direct visualization during arthroscopy.
Our fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in wrist arthroscopy and TFCC surgery.
Days 1–3
1Days 1–3
Soft dressing, elevation, gentle finger movements
Weeks 1–2
2Weeks 1–2
Begin gentle wrist range of motion exercises
Weeks 2–4
3Weeks 2–4
Progressive strengthening, return to light activities
Weeks 4–6
4Weeks 4–6
Return to most normal activities and sports
1–2 weeks
Wrist motion begins
Gentle range of motion exercises
4–6 weeks
Most activities
Including return to sports
6–8 weeks
Pain & function improving
Improvement is typically observed over this period
Because tissue is removed rather than repaired, there’s generally no need for prolonged immobilization — recovery is typically shorter than after TFCC repair.
For peripheral tears — where good blood supply allows healing — TFCC repair sutures the torn tissue back to its attachment and is designed to restore structural stability. Your surgeon will confirm the right approach based on your MRI and arthroscopic findings.
Learn about TFCC repairThe central portion of the TFCC that is debrided has minimal contribution to wrist stability. Removing the damaged portion does not typically cause instability or long-term problems. The peripheral attachments that provide stability are preserved.
Studies report good to excellent outcomes in many patients with isolated central TFCC tears treated with debridement. Improvement in pain and function is typically observed over 6-8 weeks.
You should not drive on the day of surgery due to anesthesia. Most patients can resume driving within a few days once they feel comfortable gripping the steering wheel and have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with our team to discuss your wrist symptoms and treatment options.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your wrist symptoms and explore treatment options for your TFCC injury. No referral required.
