Carpal contusions in an elite platform diver

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Mar 1:2011:bcr0120113691. doi: 10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3691.

Abstract

Wrist and hand injuries are common in elite divers, as all correctly performed dives end with a head first entry into the water with the hands extended above the head. This case presentation was an Olympic level diver with 3 months of persistent dorsal wrist pain. MRI findings showed contiguous contusions to the lunate, capitate, hamate and distal radius and also a peripheral tear of the ulnar attachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The repeated dorsiflexion stress of entry into the water likely caused these injuries. Although the authors had suspected a TFCC injury and did find an isolated ulnar-sided peripheral tear, the complicating carpal contusions led us to choose a conservative treatment plan, which was the only intervention the patient ultimately required.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Carpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Carpal Bones / injuries*
  • Contusions / diagnostic imaging
  • Contusions / therapy
  • Diving / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography