Common Upper-Extremity Injuries

Abstract

Primary care and sports medicine physicians will undoubtedly encounter upper-extremity injuries on a regular basis in their practice. Athletes have injuries most commonly to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand as a result of a fall onto an outstretched arm. This article aims to educate physicians about sports-related upper-extremity injuries. Common mechanisms of injury, classic physical examination, and radiographic findings are reviewed. General guidelines for treatment as well as indications for referral to a sports medicine or orthopedic specialist are included in the discussion.

Keywords: Athletes; Hand and wrist injuries; Shoulder injuries; Sports medicine; Tennis; Upper-extremity injuries.