ACCURATE TFCC TEAR DIAGNOSIS

The Weight Bearing Test

The Weight Bearing Test is an effective way to diagnose a Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC). It assesses a specific load on the wrist joint. More reliable than an MRI in diagnosing TFCC and much, much less expensive.

With the test results, you’ll know if the WristWidget is suitable for you. It also helps gauge your progress in the rehabilitation plan so you can work on reducing symptoms.

WARNING

The Weight Bearing Test is designed to quickly and easily determine if the pain in your wrist is caused by a TFCC injury. TFCC complaints can be acute (accident) or gradual (wear). For acute or severe wrist complaints, we recommend that you see a family doctor or hand therapist.

IF A BREAK HAS BEEN RULED OUT, you can take the weight bearing test. If it is actually a TFCC injury, you will immediately feel a pain reduction and can push more weight.

WHAT YOU NEED

1.

A WristWidget (or two strips of non-elastic tape)

(sports tape) of approx. 1.5 cm wide and longer than your wrist circumference.

2.

An ANALOGUE scale

For the treatment recommendation, it is desirable that you have measurements. The test can also be carried out without an analog scale. Then you have no values, but you can feel whether it works.

WHY NOT A DIGITAL SCALE?

Think of it this way… A digital scale measures static weight. A 10 kg bag of sand will weigh 10 kg. We’re actually looking for how much weight your wrist can bear, or perhaps better stated, your pressing ability. With an analog (non-digital) scale, you can see visually where your abilities lie and what the consistent weight bearing number is for your wrist. Your results on a digital scale gives you an untrue value for the severity of your injury.

Place scale on the floor, or the seat of a solid chair.Place palm in the center of the scale, fingers pointing towards 12:00, elbow over the wrist. When pressing on the scale, remember NO Pain. You are simply determining your ability.

wristwidget-weight-bearing-test-1
1

TEST THE HEALTY WRIST

Test the healthy wrist first (record the results).

wristwidget-weight-bearing-test-2
2

TEST THE INJURED WRIST

Slowly! Stop at the edge of pain – any pain! (record the results).

weight bearing test with straps
3

PUT ON THE WRISTWIDGET

Or take 2 pieces of non-elastic tape- squeeze wrist together without compression on the ulnar head.

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4

RETEST

Retest the injured wrist wearing the WristWidget / the tape.

If you have a TFCC injury there should be an immediate increase in weight-bearing ability, and your pain should be greatly relieved.

Weight Bearing Test: If you did NOT notice a big difference in the amount of weight you can bear with and without tape, or there is not a marked difference between the two wrists, then you probably do NOT have a TFCC injury and the WristWidget won’t aid in healing.

And then…

If you’ve noticed immediate pain relief after the test, you likely want to maintain that comfort. Whether it’s returning to sports, gardening, or handling household chores without discomfort, you seek a solution for those bothersome wrist pains. Here’s the good news!

The WristWidget TFCC strap offers a solution!

The WristWidget holds the wrist firmly in place so that the TFCC injury can heal in peace. Without irritation of the wrist and without loss of wrist function. The WristWidget is made of nylon and cotton, is waterproof and thanks to the hook and loop fastener closes well around the wrist without exerting pressure on the elbow.

There is a treatment protocol with exercises and tips that you can use at home. Go for it!

Buy a WristWidget
To treatment protocol