Wrist injuries common in sports, can lead to long-term disability

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia was placed on the disabled list Tuesday after spraining his wrist during a game against the Chicago White Sox on Monday. Peoria’s case is not uncommon since hand and wrist injuries account for up to 25 percent of all sports-related injuries, according to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research last year.

Another recent study revealed that 14.8 percent of youth athletes have suffered upper extremity injuries and 9 percent of those involved the wrist. These injuries account for a significant number of emergency room visits. The correct diagnosis and treatment of wrist injuries can be challenging and lead to extended periods of inactivity and rehabilitation.

The wrist joint is a complex joint that is formed by the connection of the forearm to the hand. The principal forearm bones are the ulna and radius. Although there are eight carpal bones in the hand, only the scaphoid and lunate directly articulate with the radius and ulna.

These bones are held together by a series of ligaments that permit free movement of the joint. The median, ulnar and radial nerves are the principal nerves that innervate the hand. These nerves are intimately associated with the bones and ligaments as they traverse the wrist.

The most common injuries to the wrist are fractures, ligamentous injuries (loose ligaments) and tendonitis. A typical mechanism for an acute injury is falling on an outstretched hand, which is how Pedroia was injured. Although this happen in any sport, it is especially common in snowboarding and contact sports.

Chronic injuries are commonly seen in overuse. These are the result of repetitive movements often seen in racquet sports, golf and gymnastics.

Particular attention should be paid to young athletes who are more prone to overuse injuries as the wrist joints develop.

“Wrist injuries can be worse than you think,” reports Dr. Joel Ferreira, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at UConn. “An injury that may feel like a sprain may actually be a fracture or a severe ligament tear. Persistent injuries should be evaluated by a physician with special training and access to advanced imaging techniques.”

Sports-related wrist injuries can lead to long-term disability if not treated properly.

Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu