Stress changes of the distal radial epiphysis in young gymnasts. A report of twenty-one cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Between 1980 and 1983, 21 young, high-performance gymnasts with stress changes related to the distal radial epiphysis, were treated and followed for a mean of 24 months (range, 6 to 42 months). Eleven of the gymnasts presented with roentgenographic changes of the distal radial epiphysis, and in these recovery took at least 3 months. This group was compared to a group of ten gymnasts who had similar symptoms but no roentgenographic changes, and who recovered within an average of 4 weeks. The roentgenographic changes, which are described in detail, are considered to represent stress changes, possibly stress fractures, of the distal radial epiphysis. No residual growth-related problems have been observed. Possible etiologic factors are discussed, and the literature as it pertains to stress-related adaptation and injury in the growing athlete is reviewed.