Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:36
Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Climber's finger
Toshihito Yamaguchi1, Yoshikazu Ikuta
1Tokyo Hand Surgery and Sports Medicine Institute, Tokyo 192-0002, Japan. thsi@mri.biglobe.ne.jp
Summary
Climber's finger, a flexor tendon sheath injury, often results from the "hook grip" technique. If conservative treatment fails after three months, surgical repair of the tendon sheath is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Anatomy
Background:
- Climber's finger is a specific injury to the flexor tendon sheath.
- It occurs in rock climbers using a "hook grip" to support body weight.
Observation:
- Symptoms include sharp pain during grasping, a snapping sensation, and a palpable mass near the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
- The injury mechanism involves rupture of the first cruciform pulley due to high stress in the flexor tendon sheath.
Findings:
- Conservative therapy, aimed at preventing bowstringing, was successful in 6 out of 8 cases within three months.
- Two patients required surgical intervention for persistent symptoms.
Implications:
- Suturing of the tendon sheath is indicated for climber's finger when conservative therapy is ineffective after a three-month trial.
- This highlights the importance of timely surgical consideration for refractory cases.
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