What are the signs and symptoms of a TFCC tear?

The main complaint and symptom people present with is pain in the little finger side (ulnar side) of the wrist. Sometimes the pain is very localised and one may be able to pin point the exact location of the pain, whereas other times, it is less obvious and harder to pin point. Usually pain is accompanied by a clicking, snapping or catching feel upon wrist movement.

In people with type II TFCC tears, or tears resulting from a degenerative joint disease, or 'crepitus' (a crackling, grating and/or popping sensation) may be felt during wrist movement.

People with TFCC tears often complain of feeling weak in the wrist (ie/ they can’t grip as hard or lift heavy things) or that their wrist is unstable and is going to collapse when they put a lot of force on it (ie/ lean on it).

Depending on the severity of the tear, the wrist may also present bent slightly to the little finger side (ulnarly deviated), and the bony prominence on the ulnar side of the wrist may appear to stick out more than usual. This is indicative of Ulnar dislocation and often presents in complete TFCC tears.