Gymnastic wrist injuries

Abstract

During gymnastic activities, the wrist is exposed to many different types of stresses, including repetitive motion, high impact loading, axial compression, torsional forces, and distraction in varying degrees of ulnar or radial deviation and hyperextension. Many of these stresses are increased during upper extremity weight-bearing and predispose the wrist to high rates of injury during gymnastics. Distal radius stress injuries are the most common and most documented gymnastic wrist conditions. Other conditions include scaphoid impaction syndrome, dorsal impingement, scaphoid fractures, scaphoid stress reactions/fractures, capitate avascular necrosis, ganglia, carpal instability, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, ulnar impaction syndrome, and lunotriquetral impingement. It is important to diagnose quickly and accurately the specific injury to initiate expediently the proper treatment and limit the extent of injury. In addition, a gymnast's training regimen should also include elements of injury prevention.