Hand & wrist conditions
TFCC tears
Ultrasound-guided treatment for ulnar-sided wrist pain from a torn triangular fibrocartilage complex.
Understanding the condition
The cartilage cushion on the little-finger side of the wrist
The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a small structure of cartilage and ligaments sitting between the end of the ulna and the wrist bones. It cushions load and holds the two forearm bones together as you rotate your hand.
It tears either from a fall onto an outstretched hand or gradually, from repeated loaded rotation — racquet sports, golf, gym work, trades. The result is pain on the little-finger side of the wrist that is worst exactly when you turn a door handle, push up out of a chair or press through the hand.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- Pain on the little-finger side of the wrist
- Pain turning a key, a door handle or a screwdriver
- Clicking or a clunk when you rotate the forearm
- Weak grip, or dropping things
- Pain pressing up out of a chair or doing a push-up
- Swelling and tenderness over the end of the ulna
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
TFCC treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Regenerative injections are placed precisely into the injured part of the complex under ultrasound guidance, with the aim of supporting healing in tissue that heals slowly on its own.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
Persistent TFCC problems are sometimes managed surgically — debridement of the torn area, repair, or a procedure to shorten the ulna and take pressure off the complex. These are reasonable operations in the right patient, but they are not small, and rehabilitation is lengthy.
The structures involved are only a few millimeters across, which is why we assess and inject this area under ultrasound rather than by feel. Treating it non-surgically first is a low-risk step that leaves every surgical option open.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Ultrasound-guided regenerative injection of the TFCC
- Assessment of whether the ulna sits long relative to the radius
- A period of splinting or taping to unload the ulnar side
- Grip and forearm rotation strengthening
- Technique and equipment review for racquet and gym athletes
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Related
More hand & wrist conditions
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
What is recovery like after treatment?
Recovery is typically much shorter than traditional orthopedic surgery. All patients go home the same day and gradually resume normal daily activities based on their physician's recommendations and individualized rehabilitation plan.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on your diagnosis, severity of injury, treatment goals, and healing response. Some patients achieve their desired outcome after a single procedure, while others may benefit from a staged treatment plan.
Consultation request
Get your wrist evaluated
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
Contact us or request an appointment
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