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Grip lock injury resulting in extensor tendon pseudorupture: case report.
Vikram Sathyendra1, Alexander Payatakes
1Bone and Joint Institute, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|October 29, 2013
Summary
Grip lock injuries in male gymnasts can cause severe wrist damage. This case highlights a rare pseudorupture of finger extensors, expanding the understanding of grip lock injury complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Grip lock injuries are rare but severe, often resulting in wrist sprains or fractures in male gymnasts.
- These injuries typically affect the wrist and forearm structures.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old former collegiate gymnast experienced complete loss of index and long finger extension after a grip lock injury.
- Surgical evaluation revealed significant attenuation and adhesions of the index and long finger extensor tendons within the fourth dorsal compartment.
Findings:
- Tenolysis and imbrication of the affected extensor tendons were performed.
- At 12 months post-surgery, the patient reported no pain and full digital range of motion with the wrist in neutral.
- A residual extensor lag was noted with the wrist in extension, and the patient returned to gymnastics with apprehension.
Implications:
- This case expands the recognized spectrum of grip lock injuries beyond typical sprains and fractures.
- It underscores the potential for severe tendon damage, specifically extensor pseudorupture, in high bar gymnastics.
- Highlights the importance of considering tendon integrity in the management of grip lock injuries.
