[The "wheel gymnast's elbow" - first description of a common overuse syndrome]

Overuse syndromes of the elbow due to wheel gymnastics are unknown in medical literature. This study describes a common overuse syndrome of the elbow in wheel gymnastics.

We conducted internet research and interviewed 260 wheel gymnasts, who trained the "hip roll" element.

60.4 % of the gymnasts reported changes of the elbow region. The intensity of pain during training was 1.51 out of 10 points. Lacerations were reported in 33.1 %, hematomas were reported in 68.7 %, and a loss of hair at the elbow region was reported in 11.7 %. 11.5 % of the gymnasts described a bump and 5.8 % described a depression of the proximal ulnar region that was not found before wheel gymnastics. Gymnasts using protective gear reported significantly higher levels of pain compared to gymnasts without protective gear.

The "wheel gymnast's elbow" is a common overuse syndrome of the proximal ulnar due to direct contact and friction of the proximal ulnar to the giant wheel bars. The "wheel gymnast's elbow" describes a combination of lacerations, hematoma, hair loss, bumps, and depression of the proximal ulnar region with only slight pain.

An early preventive use of protective gear during "hip roll" training can possibly reduce the "wheel gymnast's elbow" syndrome.