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The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a critical structure in the ulnar side of the wrist, providing stability, shock absorption, and smooth movement between the distal ulna and carpal bones.

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![Anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. (a) Palmar view onto the ulnocarpal compartment. (b) Viewing from dorsal side, the ulnar head has been partially resected to show the foveal and styloid laminae at their insertions and (c) Dorsal view onto the ulnocarpal compartment.

Schmitt R, Grunz JP, Langer M. Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries – limitations of the current classification systems and the proposed new “CUP” classification. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2022;48(1):60-66. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934221121931](attachment:63080ec3-1e3d-4d31-be1a-51255e4febe3:10.1177_17531934221121931-fig1.jpg)

Anatomy of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. (a) Palmar view onto the ulnocarpal compartment. (b) Viewing from dorsal side, the ulnar head has been partially resected to show the foveal and styloid laminae at their insertions and (c) Dorsal view onto the ulnocarpal compartment.

Schmitt R, Grunz JP, Langer M. Triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries – limitations of the current classification systems and the proposed new “CUP” classification. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2022;48(1):60-66. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934221121931

Anatomy

Location: Between the distal ulna, lunate, and triquetrum — acting as a cushion and stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and ulnocarpal joint.

The TFCC is a composite structure, comprising:

  1. Triangular fibrocartilage disc (TFC proper) – central cartilaginous disc
  2. Dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments
  3. Ulnar collateral ligament
  4. Sheath of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon
  5. Meniscus homologue – connects TFCC to the triquetrum and hamate

![Axial illustration of the TFCC depicting its constituent anatomy.

Skalski MR, White EA, Patel DB, Schein AJ, RiveraMelo H, Matcuk GR. The Traumatized TFCC: An Illustrated Review of the Anatomy and Injury Patterns of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2016;45(1):39-50. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.05.004](attachment:8e808f0a-fbac-433d-a6f6-7e6623c83c8e:1-s2.0-S0363018815000845-gr1_lrg.jpg)

Axial illustration of the TFCC depicting its constituent anatomy.

Skalski MR, White EA, Patel DB, Schein AJ, RiveraMelo H, Matcuk GR. The Traumatized TFCC: An Illustrated Review of the Anatomy and Injury Patterns of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2016;45(1):39-50. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.05.004

![Illustration of a midcoronal section of the TFCC, depicting the relevant anatomy

Skalski MR, White EA, Patel DB, Schein AJ, RiveraMelo H, Matcuk GR. The Traumatized TFCC: An Illustrated Review of the Anatomy and Injury Patterns of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2016;45(1):39-50. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.05.004](attachment:a0e77256-d4fa-4601-9ed9-9387e4a381f4:1-s2.0-S0363018815000845-gr2_lrg.jpg)

Illustration of a midcoronal section of the TFCC, depicting the relevant anatomy

Skalski MR, White EA, Patel DB, Schein AJ, RiveraMelo H, Matcuk GR. The Traumatized TFCC: An Illustrated Review of the Anatomy and Injury Patterns of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology. 2016;45(1):39-50. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2015.05.004

Functions

Radiology