Hand and Wrist Injuries in Golfers and Their Treatment

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Golf involves repetitive wrist motions, increasing injury risk.
• Understanding golf swing mechanics is crucial for diagnosing and preventing injuries.
• Common golf-related wrist injuries include pisiform ligament complex syndrome and hook of hamate fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of golf swing-related wrist injuries.
• To detail initial management strategies and surgical interventions for specific wrist conditions in golfers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on golf biomechanics and wrist injuries.
• Analysis of diagnostic approaches and treatment outcomes.
• Discussion of preventative measures and rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• Initial treatment involves rest, bracing, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and swing modification.
• Pisiform excision is effective for chronic pisiform ligament complex syndrome.
• Prompt surgical resection of hook of hamate fractures prevents complications like flexor tendon rupture.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are key for managing golf wrist injuries.
• Conservative treatment is recommended initially, with surgery reserved for severe or chronic conditions.
• Preventative strategies focusing on swing mechanics can reduce injury incidence.