Common upper extremity gymnastics injuries and gymnastic specific return to play protocols

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Sports Medicine

Background:

• Gymnastics involves high, repetitive upper limb loads, leading to distinct injuries in young athletes.
• Understanding common upper extremity injuries is crucial for clinicians evaluating gymnasts.
• Five key diagnoses include gymnast wrist, grip lock, elbow osteochondritis dissecans, medial elbow injuries, and shoulder instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide orthopaedic and sports medicine clinicians with practical information on five common upper extremity injuries in young gymnasts.
• To cover the etiology, presentation, and treatment of these injuries.
• To offer specific return-to-gymnastics protocols for safe athlete progression.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article.
• Information is synthesized from existing literature on gymnastics-related upper extremity injuries.
• Focus is on practical clinical information and established treatment guidelines.

Main Results:

• Five common upper extremity injuries in gymnasts are detailed: gymnast wrist (distal radial physeal injury), grip lock (radius/ulna fracture), osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, medial elbow tensile injuries (apophysitis, fractures, UCL tears), and glenohumeral instability (labrum tears).
• Etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment options are discussed for each injury.
• Specific return-to-gymnastics protocols are provided.

Conclusions:

• Early recognition and appropriate management of these five conditions are essential for young gymnasts.
• Implementing structured return-to-gymnastics protocols can facilitate safe and effective athlete recovery and participation.
• Clinicians should be familiar with these specific injuries and their management to optimize outcomes for gymnasts.