Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.21751/FRM-37-3-4-2
HAND PULLY INJURIES IN CLIMBERS
Florian Pigac
; Libertas međunarodno sveučilište, Trg J. F. Kennedya 6b, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Martin Bobek
; Medicinski fakultet, Šalata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Lara Fotez
; Medicinski fakultet, Šalata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
Dubravka Bobek
; Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu s reumatologijom, Klinička bolnica Dubrava, Zagreb
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The most common overuse injuries in rock climbers are stretching or rupture of the flexor pulley system of the fingers of the hand. The mechanism of these injuries is the “crimp grip” used in climbing. Pulleys A2, A3 and A4 are exposed to the greatest risk of injury, especially when loaded eccentrically. Physical examination may reveal clinical “tendon scraping,” defined as volar displacement of the flexor tendon from the phalanges, however, definitive diagnosis requires imaging of the injury. Ultrasound is very sensitive and specific for diagnosis and is recommended as the initial imaging technique of choice. Magnetic resonance is recommended as an additional imaging method if ultrasound did not give clear results. A proper warm-up is thought to prevent injury. Pulley injuries can be classified from I to IV degree. For injuries I to III degree, conservative treatment is recommended, including immobilization, the H-band method, and the use of a protective pulley splint. Surgical treatment is used for IV degree injuries.
Keywords
pulley rupture, rock climbing, the H-strip method
Hrčak ID:
311341
URI
Publication date:
11.12.2023.
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