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Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: Midcarpal Instability

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain: Midcarpal Instability

Anatomy of the Wrist

The carpal bones of the wrist make 2 rows of bones, the proximal and distal carpal row. Ulnar Sided Midcarpal instability (MCI) is related to lack of ligament support between the proximal carpal row and the midcarpal joint (between the 2 rows of bones). Midcarpal instability is most often of palmar type, but can also be considered dorsal or extrinsic depending on the specific ligament(s) involved in causing the instability.


How to Treat TFCC: Symptoms & Causes
of Ulnar Sided Wrist Pain:
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Function of the Wrist

Injury to the ligaments in the midcarpal joint causes a loss of the coupled motion of the carpal rows. Specifically, this means that the proximal carpal row has an abrupt change from flexion to extension at end range for ulnar deviation instead of smooth coupled motion in the radial to ulnar deviation range. This abrupt change in position of the carpal bones is responsible for an often audible and/or painful clunk.

Injury to the Wrist

It is not uncommon for people with MCI to have no history of a traumatic event or if they have a causative injury, it is often a distal radius fracture malunion. MCI is likely to result in a volar sag on the ulnar side of the wrist evidenced by a clunk/clicking/snapping at end range for ulnar deviation while the forearm in pronated (when the carpal rows re-couple). Other findings may include tenderness in the area of the triquetrohamate and the capitolunate intervals, and/or weakness with grip.  

Physical Exam of the Wrist

The clinical test commonly used to assess suspected MCI is the Midcarpal Shift Test, also known as the pivot shift test and the catch-up clunk test. This test looks for the loss of coupled motion between carpal rows from radial to ulnar deviation and the clunk of the proximal row into position at end range ulnar deviation. To perform this test, pronate the hand, press palmarly (downward) on the capitate. Apply and hold an axial distraction of the hand while you passively pull the wrist into ulnar deviation. A painful and often audible clunk or pain response is considered a positive response.

Diagnosis of the Wrist

A lateral radiograph with the wrist in neutral may be able to reveal MCI. The most useful imaging tool for this diagnosis, however, is fluoroscopy because the carpal mechanics can be visualized during movement from radial to ulnar deviation (with typically a quick “jump” of the proximal carpal row from flexion to extension when MCI is present).  

Treatment for Mid Carpal Instability of the Wrist

Treatment for MCI most often begins with trial of an orthosis for 3-6 weeks. A good option for this diagnosis is a pisiform or ulnar carpal boosting orthosis to realign the carpal bones despite ligament instability. When the orthosis is worn, symptoms should be decreased and the clunking near eliminated.

These products include the 3pp Carpal Lift and the  3pp Wrist POP Splint , which can both be used to provide a boost to the pisiform or ulnar carpal bones.

The 3pp Carpal Lift reduces the pain and popping sensation by incorporating a pad under the ulnar carpus along with adjustable straps that add a dynamic lift without pressure on the ulna.

3pp Carpal lift for TFCC wrist injuries          3pp carpal lift for tfcc wrist injuries

The 3pp Wrist POP Splint applies adjustable compression over the distal ulna and a counterpoint of pressure under the distal radius for stability and effective treatment.

3pp wrist pop for tfcc wrist injuries     3pp wrist pop for tfcc wrist injuries

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