Triangular fibrocartilage complex
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The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a complex structure that is a major contributor to the stability of the wrist.
Gross anatomy
The TFCC is located on the ulnar aspect of the wrist joint between the ulna and the lunate and triquetrum of the proximal carpal row. It has an elongated triangular shape with the apex pointing at the radius 5 and consists of the triangular fibrocartilage disc proper along with 1,2:
- volar components
- volar radioulnar ligament
- ulnocarpal ligamentous complex:
- ulna components
- dorsal components
- dorsal radioulnar ligament
- extensor carpi ulnaris tendon sheath
Blood supply
- central and radial portions of the TFCC are avascular
Variant anatomy
The shape of the TFCC varies with negative and positive ulnar variance 4:
- negative ulnar variance: thicker, shorter with a more horizontal lie
- positive ulnar variance: thinner and arc-shaped
Function
The triangular fibrocartilage complex has the following functions 3:
- main stabiliser of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ)
- buttress to support the proximal carpal row
- allowing for transmission of a portion of the axial load from the carpus to the ulna (~20% of the force, with the remaining 80% through the radiocarpal joint)
Related pathology
-<li><a title="Ulnar collateral ligament of the wrist" href="/articles/ulnar-collateral-ligament-of-the-wrist">ulnar collateral ligament</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/ulnar-collateral-ligament-of-the-wrist">ulnar collateral ligament</a></li>
Images Changes:
Image 3 Diagram ( create )
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