What are Wrist Sports Injuries?

Wrist injuries are common in sports that involve repetitive motions, high-impact falls, or excessive strain on the wrist. Two common wrist injuries in athletes are triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears and scapholunate ligament tears. These injuries can cause pain, instability, and limited movement, affecting athletic performance and daily activities.

Types of Wrist Sports Injuries:

• TFCC Tear: The TFCC is a group of ligaments and cartilage that support the wrist. Tears occur from falls, twisting motions, or overuse, leading to pain on the pinky side of the wrist and weakness in gripping.
• Scapholunate Ligament Tear: This ligament connects the scaphoid and lunate bones. Tears usually result from high-impact falls, causing pain in the center of the wrist, swelling, and instability.

Symptoms of Wrist Sports Injuries:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising around the wrist
• Weakness or instability in the wrist
• Clicking or popping sensations with movement
• Difficulty gripping or bearing weight on the wrist

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Falls onto an outstretched hand
• Repetitive wrist strain from sports like gymnastics, tennis, or weightlifting
• Sudden twisting or impact injuries

Diagnosis:

Your surgeon will assess wrist movement, stability, and pain. X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to evaluate ligament and cartilage damage.

Treatment Options:

• Non-Surgical Treatments:
  • Rest and activity modification to allow healing
  • Immobilization with a splint or brace
  • Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
  • Physical therapy to restore strength and stability
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Surgical Treatment:
  • Severe TFCC or scapholunate tears may require arthroscopic or open surgery to repair the ligaments and restore function
  • In cases of chronic instability, ligament reconstruction may be needed

If you suspect a wrist sports injury, schedule a consultation with us to discuss the best treatment options for you.