TFCC Peripheral Repair — TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) Peripheral Repair

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE until 12 weeks minimum

Key Restrictions

No strengthening until 8-10 weeks; immobilization type and duration depends on surgical findings and DRUJ stability; if small repair with stable DRUJ in removable orthosis: short-arc ROM from week 4; NWB until 12 weeks per surgeon

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): posterior long arm elbow/wrist or volar wrist splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): wrist orthosis vs. Muenster orthosis vs. cast per surgeon/findings; if stable DRUJ: short-arc wrist/forearm AROM from week 4; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): wean orthosis (6-8 weeks), isometric then isotonic wrist strengthening at 8-10 weeks, light grip <10 lbs; night orthosis until 8-10 weeks

Notes

Confirm with surgeon before initiating ROM — immobilization type and ROM timing depends on DRUJ stability findings; NWB until 12 weeks; longer immobilization and strength restrictions than TFCC debridement; night orthosis until 8-10 weeks

Published

09/2024