[Subcutaneous rupture of long finger flexor pulleys in rock climbers. 12 case reports]

Rock climbing generates a new type of microtraumatic, stress pathology involving all of the osteoarticular chain of the upper limb. The hand is the site of specific lesions: pulley ruptures (A2) are the most frequent. 12 top-level climbers (7a and above) were reviewed out of a series of 23 cases. In 7 cases, the ring finger was affected and in 5 cases the middle finger was affected. All cases were treated by rest and protection of the A22 pulley with an external rigid ring. Progressive return of climbing was allowed after the 45th day. The effects on the level of performance, residual pain and its consequences, and on associated lesions of the upper limb were investigated. 8/12 patients regained at least their previous level of performance and 6/12 no longer experienced any pain. 5/12 patients experienced minor pain which did not affect their level of performance. One patient had to stop top-level climbing because of persistent pain. Protection of the pulley, possibly combined with syndactylisation and complete rest, not only from sports activities, for at least 45 days are the best way of ensuring a satisfactory functional result in these particularly demanding subjects. Physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment can also be combined.