Concerns About a Possible TFCC Injury
Approximately two and a half months ago, I (31F) sustained an injury when I fell, landing on my outstretched hand. Since that incident, I have experienced persistent discomfort on the ulnar side of my wrist. Activities that require weight bearing or involve twisting motions continue to trigger pain. After undergoing an MRI, the results indicated a low-grade strain characterized by slight thickening and swelling in the dorsal wrist capsule. Fortunately, it appears that the TFCC remains intact, although there is a mild hyperintense signal that suggests some degenerative changes have occurred. I am curious if there might be any potential abnormalities that the MRI did not detect. I've reviewed some of the MRI slices that I suspected could indicate irregularities, though I could be mistaken in my assessment.
Answers (1)
6/24/2025, 2:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a persistent issue related to your wrist injury, particularly affecting the area near the ulnar side and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The MRI results you've received suggest a low-grade strain but thankfully indicate that the TFCC itself is intact. It’s understandable to be concerned about potential abnormalities that may not have been detected.
Explanation
Your symptoms, including pain with weight-bearing and twisting motions, are typical for wrist injuries, especially after a fall. The results showing a low-grade strain and some degenerative changes do point to ongoing issues, though nothing severe seemed apparent in the MRI findings. While MRI is a powerful tool for diagnosing injuries, it's not perfect. Sometimes minor conditions can be overlooked or require deeper examination.
Next Steps
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Activity Modification: Avoid activities that provoke pain, particularly those that involve lifting or twisting, to give your wrist a chance to heal.
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Pain Management:
- Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, as tolerated, to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Consider applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities that trigger discomfort.
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Gentle Exercises: As your pain allows, slowly introduce wrist exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Simple wrist flexion and extension stretches can help improve mobility without stressing the joint.
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Wrist Support: Wearing a wrist brace or splint can provide support, limit movement, and help alleviate pain during daily activities.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting what activities worsen the pain, and track any changes over the coming weeks. This can help in identifying triggers and improving management.
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Seek Follow-Up: If your discomfort persists or worsens despite these measures, consider discussing further imaging or alternative assessments with a healthcare professional. This might include a repeat MRI or other imaging techniques if clinically indicated.
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Seek Specialization if Needed: If there are still concerns about undetected injuries, a consultation with an orthopedic specialist familiar with wrist injuries can be beneficial for further evaluation and potential treatment options.
I hope this guidance helps you manage your symptoms effectively while you navigate your recovery. If you have any further questions or require more tailored advice, feel free to ask!
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