Rehabilitation and use of protective devices in hand and wrist injuries

Management of carpal instability in athletes

Hand and wrist injuries are common in most athletic events and sports. Carpal fractures and ligamentous injuries are common in athletes and require physicians, trainers, and therapists who treat and diagnosis these injuries to have an understanding of the carpal bone anatomy and vascularity along with the potential for progression to instability. Research is still needed to further investigate the optimal treatments of all carpal injuries in athletes along with designing new means to prevent these injuries.

Quick splint for acute boutonniére injuries

Injuries to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are common in athletes, especially in contact and ball sports(1). Most PIP injuries involve disruption of the volar plate or dorsal dislocation. Less common is the "boutonniére" injury, which, if left undiagnosed and untreated, results in a boutonniére deformity. This deformity is difficult to manage and often requires prolonged immobilization and/or surgery to regain function(2).

Radius fractures in the athlete

With prompt and accurate diagnosis, a stable and anatomic distal radius fracture reduction, the detection and treatment of any associated intraarticular injuries with the use of wrist arthroscopy, and an early, comprehensive rehabilitation program, one usually can expect a favorable outcome. The treating physician never should compromise these basic principles solely for the sake of a speedy return to sports at the behest of the coach, the athlete, or his family. This could result in a less-than-favorable recovery, and a possible permanent loss of athletic skills.