Seeking Recommendations for a Specialist to Repair a Full-Thickness TFCC Tear in the United States
I'm a 25-year-old female and I’ve been dealing with a wrist injury for the past ten months. Yesterday, I had an arthrogram MRI done to get more clarity on my situation. If you were in my shoes and needed to restore your strength and dexterity, which doctor would you choose to trust for your wrist specialist? I'm open to traveling anywhere in the United States for the right care. About ten months ago, I had a serious incident where a horse kicked me in the chest while I was holding a lead rope in my left hand. There’s a possibility that the horse's back hoof made contact with my left hand, but I can’t be certain. I ended up with a fractured right scaphoid, but surprisingly, the pain and discomfort in my left wrist (which wasn’t fractured) were at least as severe, if not worse, than my right. The swelling and bruising I experienced were considerable. After being referred by the emergency room to a hand surgeon, the focus was predominantly on my scaphoid fracture. They did take some images of my left wrist and diagnosed me with tendonitis. It was only about a month ago that I consulted a second physician who suspected a TFCC tear. Fast forward to yesterday, when I finally managed to undergo an arthrogram MRI for confirmation. Regaining full function is paramount to me, not just physically but also for my mental and emotional wellbeing. I’m keen to gather multiple perspectives on possible treatment plans. If you were facing the same situation and it was your wrist on the line, where would you seek help? Who would you trust to ensure a successful outcome?
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 1:20:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging wrist injury, and it’s completely understandable to seek the best specialist for your needs. Given your symptoms and the possibility of a full-thickness TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) tear, selecting the right hand or orthopedic surgeon is crucial for a successful recovery.
Main Points:
- Consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery.
- Look for someone with experience treating TFCC tears and wrist injuries.
- Research top-ranked hospitals and specialists in your area or those known nationally.
Explanation:
A TFCC tear can significantly affect wrist function, so finding a specialist with a solid background in treating this type of injury is key. Orthopedic surgeons who focus on hands and wrists will have the expertise required for both surgical and non-surgical management based on your MRI results and symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Research Recommended Specialists:
- Look for orthopedic hand surgeons at reputable institutions such as:
- Mayo Clinic (particularly their campuses in Rochester, Minnesota; Phoenix, Arizona; or Jacksonville, Florida)
- Cleveland Clinic
- Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Check their experience specifically with TFCC repairs and patient reviews.
- Look for orthopedic hand surgeons at reputable institutions such as:
-
Consult Multiple Surgeons:
- Schedule consultations with at least two or three specialists to discuss your case. Bring your MRI results and any previous medical records.
- Use these consultations to gauge their approach to treatment and recovery plans.
-
Evaluate Treatment Options:
- Discuss both conservative (like physical therapy or injections) and surgical options to see which aligns with your goals and recovery expectations.
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Consider Overall Support:
- Include questions about rehabilitation and follow-up care as these will be crucial in regaining strength and dexterity.
Taking these steps should provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your treatment options and help you feel more confident in your recovery journey. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your physical function and overall wellbeing, so don’t hesitate to seek the opinions of well-regarded specialists. Wishing you the best of luck in finding the right care!
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