Golf-induced injuries of the wrist

Golf injuries of the wrist are rare, but when they occur they can be devastating for the avid golfer, competitive amateur golfer, or the professional golfer, as the hand and wrist are so integral to the game. The majority of golf injuries are overuse injuries of the wrist flexor or extensor tendons. The left wrist (in the right-handed golfer) is the most common location. Analysis of the golf swing finds excessive motion of the left wrist (in the right-handed golfer), along with a catapulting function, accounting for vulnerability of the left wrist to injury. Hyperextension and radial deviation of the right wrist may cause impingement syndrome and injury may also occur during impact of the swing phase. The majority of golf-induced overuse syndromes of the wrist are successfully treated nonoperatively, but may require restriction from golf for an extended period of time. Many of the wrist problems that we see can often be related to a strong grip (left hand positioned clockwise on the golf club handle), overgripping (too tight a grip) golf club grips in poor repair, or poor swing techniques. The most common bony injury of the wrist is fracture of the hook of the hamate. This injury is a source of chronic ulnar-sided wrist pain in the golfer and is often diagnosed late or left undiagnosed. Proper-fitting golf clubs, proper swing technique, and avoidance of obstacles may prevent this injury. Like any other sport, golf requires the use of proper equipment, proper technique, and conditioning to prevent injury.