The Ultimate Guide to TFCC Wrist Surgery: What To Expect

If you're experiencing discomfort and pain in your wrist, it could be due to a tear in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). When non-surgical approaches fail to ease the symptoms, surgery may be necessary to repair the TFCC.

However, the idea of undergoing wrist surgery can be unnerving, especially when you're not sure what to expect during the recovery period. That's where this guide comes in.

In this ultimate guide to TFCC wrist surgery recovery, we'll walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. We'll cover everything from preparing for the procedure to managing pain and discomfort during recovery.



Whether you're a professional athlete or simply looking to recover full use of your wrist, this guide is a must-read for anyone considering TFCC wrist surgery. So, let's dive in and learn more about what to expect during the recovery process.

TFCC Wrist Injury and Symptoms 

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a group of cartilage and ligaments that provide steadiness to the wrist joint. A TFCC injury happens when there is damage or tear, which can result in swelling, pain, and limited mobility range in the wrist.

The most common causes of a TFCC tear include:

• Falls on an outstretched hand or FOOSH - is an abbreviation used in the medical field to describe a specific type of injury mechanism. FOOSH happens when you slip or lose your balance, resulting in a fall where you impulsively reach out and land on your hand with the arm stretched.

• repetitive wrist motions
• Progressive changes due to aging

Symptoms of a TFCC tear include:

• pain on the ulnar side of the wrist
• clicking, swelling, or cracking sounds when moving the wrist
• weak grip

Preparing for TFCC wrist surgery

Before undergoing TFCC wrist surgery, your doctor is expected to perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and another diagnostic process to identify the gravity of the injury and the best treatment. You'll also need to provide your medical history and any medications you're taking to guarantee a successful and safe surgery.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery, it's important to follow your doctor's advice carefully. This may include:

• adjusting your medication routine
• stopping specific medications
• Avoid drink and food for a definite period prior to the procedure.

You'll also need to organize transportation to and from the hospital and prepare for someone to help you with daily tasks during the early recovery period.

What to Expect During TFCC Wrist Surgery

TFCC wrist surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in the wrist and use specialized tools to replace or repair the damaged cartilage and ligaments. After the surgery is complete, you'll be taken to a recovery area to wake up from the anesthesia.

In some cases, your surgeon may endorse additional procedures, such as a wrist arthroscopy, to address any other issues in the wrist joint. 

Post-operative Care for TFCC Wrist Surgery

After the surgery, you'll need to follow specific post-operative care instructions to guarantee a successful and smooth recovery. This may include wearing a splint or cast to stop the wrist, taking pain medication as advised, and avoiding specific activities that may put stress on the wrist.

You'll also need to keep the surgical incision dry and clean and monitor for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or discharge from the wound. It's important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled and report any complications or concerns on time.

TFCC Wrist Surgery Recovery Timeline

The recovery timeline differs depending on the type of surgery performed and the degree of the injury. Generally, it can take some weeks to some months to recover full use of the wrist and return to normal daily tasks.

During the initial recovery period, you may experience swelling, stiffness, and pain in the wrist, which can be managed with physical therapy exercises and pain medication. As you progress through the recovery process, you'll slowly recover motion range and strength in the wrist, letting you continue normal tasks.

Tips for a Successful TFCC Wrist Surgery Recovery

To guarantee a successful recovery, it's important to follow your doctor's advice carefully and be patient with the process. Some tips for a successful recovery include:

• Attend all follow-up schedules with your doctor
• Take pain medication as advised.
• Follow physical therapy exercises as arranged
• Rest and ice the wrist as needed
• Avoid activities that may put stress on the wrist
• Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet
• Report any complications or concerns right away.

What do we look for in a surgeon that performs TFCC Wrist Surgery?

1. Our Surgical Sources must be comfortable sending their family members to the surgeon.
2. The surgeon must specialize in wrist surgery and be a high-volume surgeon.
3. The surgeon must be board-certified and have a good track record of successful surgeries.
4. The surgeon must be performing wrist surgery weekly.
5. The surgeon must use the latest technology and equipment.
6. The surgeon must have good hand-eye coordination.

Surgeon Researcher - Final Words

The best predictor of successful surgery is the skill level of your surgeon. Surgeons are NOT created equal.

Studies, and our experience, show that patients who are operated on by the most skilled surgeons have lower rates of revision surgery, complications, infection, pain, opioid use, and death. The most skilled surgeons achieve the best surgical outcomes - providing you with the quickest recovery and best quality of life.

Finding the most skilled surgeon can be an impossible task if you do not work in the medical industry. Surgeon Researcher is here to change that.

The only sources that know how skilled a surgeon really is are in the operating room with surgeons on a consistent basis.

We talk to these sources.

We are the only service dedicated to finding patients like you the most qualified surgeons in the country by going straight to the source. Our goal is to equip you with all the information you need to make an informed choice about your health care.

Here at Surgeon Researcher, we prioritize the needs of our customers. We are advocates for the patients, not surgeons.

Don't risk your future quality of life. Get in touch with Surgeon Researcher so we can ensure a qualified surgeon is performing your surgery. You can rely on us to be your advocate in the fight for better surgical outcomes.