The Science of Wrist Sprains & Strains

Wrist sprains involve damage to the ligaments that connect the bones of your wrist, most commonly affecting the scapholunate ligament complex or the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). These structures are crucial for maintaining proper carpal bone alignment and allowing coordinated wrist movement. The scapholunate interosseous ligament is particularly vulnerable to injury during falls on an outstretched hand or rotational movements under load. When this ligament is damaged, it can lead to abnormal movement patterns between the scaphoid and lunate bones, potentially causing long-term instability if not properly managed. TFCC injuries affect the complex of ligaments and cartilage on the pinky side of your wrist. This structure acts as a shock absorber and stabilizer for the distal radioulnar joint, allowing smooth rotation of your forearm while maintaining wrist stability. The healing potential of wrist ligaments varies significantly depending on their blood supply. Some areas have excellent healing capacity, while others, particularly the central portions of certain ligaments, have limited blood flow and may heal slowly or incompletely without proper treatment.