Upper Extremity Injuries in Rock Climbers: Diagnosis and Management

J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Jul;47(7):662-672. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.01.009. Epub 2022 Mar 4.

Abstract

Rock climbing places substantial stress on the upper extremities and can lead to unique injuries not common to other sports. With increasing popularity of the sport, hand surgeons are expected to see more patients with these pathologies. An understanding of the sport, accurate diagnoses, and appropriate treatment protocols are critical to maintain climbers' competitive abilities.

Keywords: Climbers elbow; epiphyseal stress fracture; hook of hamate fracture; lumbrical shift syndrome; pulley injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arm Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Arm Injuries* / therapy
  • Athletic Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mountaineering* / injuries
  • Sports*
  • Upper Extremity / injuries