It’s All in the Wrist: Tennis Injuries

Professional tennis players know the importance of keeping it all in the wrist, which means using the wrist in controlled movement instead of using arm strength. But there will be instances when the wrist will still be subjected to tennis injuries, such as a triangular fibro-cartilage complex injury.

The triangular fibro-cartilage complex (TFCC) has similar functions to the meniscus in the knee. As a complex, it is composed of three parts: the triangular fibrocartilage discus, the radioulnar ligaments, and the ulnocarpal ligaments. Its primary functions include load transmission and forearm rotation mainly by providing for a strong yet flexible connection between the ulna and radius.

The TFCC has high risks for both degeneration and injury because of the complexity of its structure and the multiplicity of its functions. The complex can be injured via one of the following ways:

• The application of force to the wrist, such as in cushioning the fall on an outstretched hand;
• The dorsal rotation in the wrist, usually caused when the wrist is bound and then rotated by a drill instead of the bit;
• The application of distraction force to the wrist or the volar forearm; and
• The tears on the complex usually found in people with distal radius fractures.

It must be emphasized that defects including perforations in the TFCC are not considered traumatic injuries since these are considered as age-related in nature. These defects, known as tears, are frequently caused by chronic and excessive loading on the wrist, as is the case with tennis injuries. Keep in mind that even with the best training and equipment, the overuse of the wrist in the sport will increase the risks among tennis players for injuries in the TFCC.

Fortunately, the risks for tennis injuries to the TFCC can be reduced in many ways including:

• Changing the grip, such as using less of the Western grip on the forehand stroke as well as less cocking during the two-handed backhand;
• Strengthening the wrist, forearm and shoulder muscles via exercise;
• Taping the wrist; and
• Ensuring that the entire kinetic chain is used when hitting.

If symptoms persist, surgery performed by the likes of Healthpointe surgeons may be necessary. It must be emphasized that it is not the TFCC per se that may be at fault here but the attachments around its edges.

Healthpointe’s doctors and surgeons are available for consultations on all tennis injuries; for more information please call (888) 824-5580 or visit healthpointe.net.

About Healthpointe

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Fullerton, Placentia, Villa Park, Buena Park, Cypress, Cerritos, and Garden Grove. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information on tennis injuries, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net.