Athletic injuries of the wrist and hand. Part I: traumatic injuries of the wrist

Finger Sprains, Ultrasound Anatomy, and Pathology of Finger Ligaments

The joints of the fingers play an important role in prehension. They must accomplish both great mobility in the sagittal plane to allow the fingers to roll up and great stability to ensure the grip is both precise and firm. The collateral ligaments and palmar plates are the main passive stabilizing structures between the interphalangeal (IP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. Sprains with or without dislocation of the proximal IP joints of the fingers are common injuries in sports pathology and may involve not only the ligaments but also their bony insertion on the phalanges or extensor tendons. Certain entities are specific to the MCP joints: ligament ruptures with Stener-like effect under the sagittal bands and MCP flexion locking (locked finger). Radiographs and ultrasound usually enable a precise diagnosis, so appropriate treatment can be provided.

Generalized Joint Laxity Increases the Risk of Recurrence of Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability after Arthroscopic Foveal Repair of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical results of the arthroscopic foveal repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) for distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability in patients with or without generalized joint laxity.

METHODS

Patients who underwent arthroscopic transosseous foveal TFCC repair of Palmer 1B foveal TFCC tears (Atzei classification class II or III) from January 2018 to October 2021 were identified. Patients treated for symptomatic DRUJ instability for more than 3 months, and with at least 2 years of follow-up, were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the Beighton and Horan criteria: those with generalized joint laxity (group L) and those without (group N). Clinical outcomes were measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS), wrist range of motion (ROM), grip strength, sports/recreation activity level, recurrent DRUJ instability, and achievement of minimal clinically important differences (MCID).

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-twenty patients (Group L, 51 patients; Group N, 69 patients) were included. Both groups showed significant improvements in preoperative DASH and MMWS at the final follow-up. Overall, 103 patients (85.8%) achieved MCID, with 82.4% in Group L and 88.4% in Group N, and no significant differences between the two groups (P = .347). At the final follow-up, ROM and sports/recreation activity levels were similar between the groups. Significantly, the rates of postoperative DRUJ instability recurrence were 17.7% in group L (9/51) and 5.8% in group N (4/69) (P=0.039). Beighton scores were an independent risk factor for recurrent DRUJ instability in the multivariable analysis (P=0.024; odds ratio=1.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic TFCC foveal repair in patients with generalized joint laxity are comparable to those without, with 82.4% achieving MCID. Generalized joint laxity impacts DRUJ instability recurrence over a minimum 2-year follow-up period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Treatment of Hand and Wrist Cartilage Defects in Athletes

Cartilage injuries of the hand and wrist can be debilitating in the athlete. Diagnosis is difficult given the broad spectrum of presenting symptomatology. History and physical examination is crucial to achieve the correct diagnosis, and advanced imaging can offer helpful assistance to the clinician as well. TFCC injuries and ulnar impaction syndrome are among the most common conditions in athletes with hand and wrist pain. Treatment of these injuries is initially nonoperative, but elite athletes may elect to bypass nonoperative treatment in favor of earlier return to sport. Surgical treatment varies but can include open and arthroscopic methods. The clinician should tailor treatment plans to each athlete based on level of competition, type of sport, and individual preferences and goals.

Clinical Outcomes and Failure Rate of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Repair Were Comparable between Arthroscopic and Open Techniques

Background: This study compared clinical outcomes between arthroscopic and open repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal tears in chronic distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability patients. Methods: A total of 79 patients who had gone through foveal repair of TFCC using arthroscopic technique (n = 35) or open technique (n = 44) between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, active range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score at 2-4-6-12-24 months postoperatively were compared between two groups. Results: Two years after the operation, clinical parameters (VAS, MMWS, DASH, and PRWE), grip strength, and ROM showed significant advancement in the two groups in comparison to their values measured preoperatively (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, we could not identify any statistically significant differences in the above clinical factors between the two groups. The arthroscopic group showed a better flexion-extension arc at 2 months and supination-pronation arc at 2 and 4 months than the open group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups at 2 years postoperatively. Ten patients (12.6%) had recurrent instability (three in the arthroscopic group and seven in the open group, p = 0.499). Similarly, both groups showed no significant difference in the return to work period. Conclusions: Arthroscopic foveal repair of TFCC provided similarly favorable outcomes and early recovery of pain and ROM compared to open repair.

Understanding the Injury Mechanism in Hamate Hook Fractures by Investigating Fracture Morphologies: A Case Series Study

BACKGROUND

Many studies have described hamate hook fractures resulting from direct force from sporting tools. However, several authors have reported fractures that did not occur during swing-related activities. This study aimed to understand the injury mechanism of fractures by investigating their morphologies.

METHODS

We selected patients with hamate hook fractures and collected data on computed tomography scans, injury causes, and how athletes handled sporting tools.

RESULTS

We investigated 50 patients, and the study cohort included 32 patients who sustained injuries during sports: 24 during baseball (group A) and 8 during other sports (group B). Sixteen patients sustained injuries from falls (group C), and 2 had their hands crushed while using an industrial press machine (group D). In group A, most patients had a fracture line starting from the middle section of the radial side, accompanied by osteosclerotic changes in their lower hand. In group B, most patients had fracture morphologies similar to those of most patients in group A. The main morphology of fractures in group C was a transverse fracture at the base. Two patients in group D had minimal fragments at the tip of the hooks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results question the theory that most hamate hook fractures in athletes are caused by direct force exerted on the palm because the fracture morphology was different from that of patients injured by acute trauma from direct force. Instead, these fractures likely stem from an indirect mechanism involving repetitive force generated by the tendons and muscles acting on the hook.

Return to Play After Hook of Hamate Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In athletes, a hook of hamate fracture is concerning in terms of time to return to sport and effect on performance upon return. This study aims to analyze the treatment of hook of hamate fractures in athletes to determine their rates of return to play, timelines of recovery, and performance level upon return to play. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to perform this analysis. The PubMed database was queried to perform the literature search. Data were pooled and analyzed. P values <.05 were considered significant. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software to determine heterogeneity. Twenty studies with 823 patients sustaining hook of hamate fractures that reported any competitive level of play were included in the analysis. Of the 823 patients, 778 (94.5%) were able to return to play with 91.2% (506/555) of patients demonstrating similar or improved performance. The mean time to return to play was 45 days (range: 21-168 days). Treatment included surgical excision for 787 patients (95.6%), open reduction and internal fixation for 18 patients (2.2%), stress reduction/casting for 13 patients (1.6%), and loss to follow-up or surgery refusal for 5 patients (0.6%). A very high number of athletes return to play following a hook of hamate fracture at the same or improved level of performance. In our study, the majority of injuries were treated with surgical excision of the fractured hook of hamate fragment. Most athletes returned to their sport at an average of 45 days.

An investigation of tendon strains in jersey finger injury load cases using a finite element neuromuscular human body model

Introduction: A common hand injury in American football, rugby and basketball is the so-called jersey finger injury (JFI), in which an eccentric overextension of the distal interphalangeal joint leads to an avulsion of the connected musculus flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon. In the field of automotive safety assessment, finite element (FE) neuromuscular human body models (NHBMs) have been validated and are employed to evaluate different injury types related to car crash scenarios. The goal of this study is to show, how such a model can be modified to assess JFIs by adapting the hand of an FE-NHBM for the computational analysis of tendon strains during a generalized JFI load case. Methods: A jersey finger injury criterion (JFIC) covering the injury mechanisms of tendon straining and avulsion was defined based on biomechanical experiments found in the literature. The hand of the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) version 3.0 was combined with the musculature of THUMS version 5.03 to create a model with appropriate finger mobility. Muscle routing paths of FDP and musculus flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) as well as tendon material parameters were optimized using literature data. A simplified JFI load case was simulated as the gripping of a cylindrical rod with finger flexor activation levels between 0% and 100%, which was then retracted with the velocity of a sprinting college football player to forcefully open the closed hand. Results: The optimization of the muscle routing node positions and tendon material parameters yielded good results with minimum normalized mean absolute error values of 0.79% and 7.16% respectively. Tendon avulsion injuries were detected in the middle and little finger for muscle activation levels of 80% and above, while no tendon or muscle strain injuries of any kind occurred. Discussion: The presented work outlines the steps necessary to adapt the hand model of a FE-NHBM for the assessment of JFIs using a newly defined injury criterion called the JFIC. The injury assessment results are in good agreement with documented JFI symptoms. At the same time, the need to rethink commonly asserted paradigms concerning the choice of muscle material parameters is highlighted.

Variation in cartilage T2 and T2* mapping of the wrist: a comparison between 3- and 7-T MRI

BACKGROUND

To analyze regional variations in T2 and T2* relaxation times in wrist joint cartilage and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) at 3 and 7 T and to compare values between field strengths.

METHODS

Twenty-five healthy controls and 25 patients with chronic wrist pain were examined at 3 and 7 T on the same day using T2- and T2*-weighted sequences. Six different regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated for cartilage and 3 ROIs were evaluated at the TFCC based on manual segmentation. Paired t-tests were used to compare T2 and T2* values between field strengths and between different ROIs. Spearman's rank correlation was calculated to assess correlations between T2 and T2* time values at 3 and 7 T.

RESULTS

T2 and T2* time values of the cartilage differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs (p ≤ 0.045), with one exception: at the distal lunate, no significant differences in T2 values were observed between field strengths. T2* values differed significantly between 3 and 7 T for all ROIs of the TFCC (p ≤ 0.001). Spearman's rank correlation between 3 and 7 T ranged from 0.03 to 0.62 for T2 values and from 0.01 to 0.48 for T2* values. T2 and T2* values for cartilage varied across anatomic locations in healthy controls at both 3 and 7 T.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative results of T2 and T2* mapping at the wrist differ between field strengths, with poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. Local variations in cartilage T2 and T2* values are observed in healthy individuals.

RELEVANCE STATEMENT

T2 and T2* mapping are feasible for compositional imaging of the TFCC and the cartilage at the wrist at both 3 and 7 T, but the clinical interpretation remains challenging due to differences between field strengths and variations between anatomic locations.

KEY POINTS

•Field strength and anatomic locations influence T2 and T2* values at the wrist. •T2 and T2* values have a poor correlation between 3 and 7 T. •Local reference values are needed for each anatomic location for reliable interpretation.

Development of a Car-mounted Mobile MR Imaging System for Diagnosis of Sports-related Wrist Injury

Portable MRI scanners, in which a permanent magnet with a low magnetic field is mounted on a small car, have enabled the performance of MRI examinations in various remote environments. Here, we have modified the portable MRI system to enable the early diagnosis of wrist sports injuries among tennis players. A RF probe specifically designed for the human wrist was developed, and a power supply scheme using a small generator was introduced. The portable MRI system was located at a tennis school and imaging of the wrists of junior tennis players was performed. To demonstrate clinical feasibility, image quality was assessed by a radiologist and clinical evaluations were performed. In most cases, the image quality was sufficient for diagnosis, and triangular fibrocartilage complex damage could be detected. The results indicated that the modified portable MRI system could be applied for an early diagnosis of wrist injuries.

Epidemiology of hand injuries that presented to a tertiary care facility in Germany: a study including 435 patients

BACKGROUND

Hand injuries compose up to 30% of all injuries in emergency care. However, there is a lack of epidemiological data reflecting patient or accident-related variables, injury types, injured anatomical structures or trauma localization.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is (1) to provide epidemiological information on hand injuries and their patterns and (2) to visualise the frequencies of affected areas of the hand in relation to the most common trauma mechanisms using color-coded heatmaps.

METHODS

This prospective single-center observational trial conducted at a surgical emergency department in Germany collected data of hand trauma patients using a standardized documentation form. Demographic data, trauma-related data, diagnostic and therapeutic measures were analyzed. Color-coded heatmaps were generated marking anatomic danger zones.

RESULTS

435 patients with a mean age of 39.5 were included. Most patients admitted on their own initiative (79%). Leisure and sport injuries were most frequent (75%). Digiti II-V were injured most commonly (43%), followed by metacarpals (19%) and the thumb (14%). Blunt trauma and cuts accounted for most injuries (74%). Hand-graphics depicted color-coded frequencies of the affected areas of the palmar and dorsal aspect of the hand for the most common types of injury, as well as the most frequent circumstances of accident. Elective surgery was recommended in 25% of cases, and hand surgical follow-up was proposed in over 50% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The dorsal aspect of the hand including the 5th metacarpal, the radial wrist and thenar region, as well as the fingertips of Digiti II/III represent anatomic danger zones to injury of the hand. Due to the large variety of potentially injured structures, diagnosis and treatment is not trivial. Specific training is required for all surgical specialties in emergency care, to increase quality of diagnostic work-up and management of hand injuries.

Sport-related injuries in Iranian basketball players: evidence from a retrospective epidemiologic study (2019-20)

OBJECTIVES

Basketball is a contact sport with complex movements that include jumps, turns, and changes in direction, which cause frequent musculoskeletal injuries in all regions of the body. Also, injury patterns among athletes, particularly basketball players, continue to evolve and change. The current retrospective epidemiologic study aimed to investigate the incidence, severity, and sports-related risk factors of injuries in Iranian basketball players from 2019 to 2020.

METHODS

Using the Information Retrospective Injury Questionnaire (online version), data on basketball-related injuries were collected retrospectively for 204 basketball players of the Iranian league (professional super league and first-division league) during the 2019/2020 season.

RESULTS

A total of 628 injuries were reported, which was equivalent to 6.07 injuries/1000 h. The ankle was the location of most injuries (n = 116 or 26.9%; overuse injuries (n = 40 or 20.3%)), followed by lower back/pelvis injuries (acute injury n = 67 (15.5%) and overuse injuries (n = 23; 11.6%)), knee injuries (acute injury n = 62 (15.7%) and overuse injuries (n = 31 (14.3%)), wrist/fingers injuries (acute injury (n = 85 (13.4%)) and overuse injuries (n = 8; 4.0%)), and shin/calf injuries (acute injury (n = 35; 8.1%) and overuse injuries (n = 28; 14.2%)). Mean time loss in first-division league players was much higher than professional super league players (7.84/1000 h exposure vs. 4.30/1000 h exposure), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The ankle sprain was the most common injury in our study. Lower back/pelvis injuries had the longest time loss. Injury was more frequent among first-division league players than those in the professional super league. Injuries during practice were notably more frequent than during competition with different patterns of injuries.

Excision of Hook of Hamate Fractures in Elite Baseball Players: Surgical Technique and Return to Play

Background:

Hook of hamate fractures are relatively common in baseball players, but the proper diagnosis and surgical technique can be challenging. Outcomes after surgical excision, as well as optimal surgical technique, in elite baseball players have not been clearly established.

Hypothesis:

Excision of hook of hamate fractures with a technique tailored to elite professional and collegiate baseball players will lead to high rates of return to play within a short time.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We reviewed the cases of 42 elite athletes who underwent surgical excision of 42 hook of hamate fractures at a single academic hand surgery practice from 2006 to 2020. The athletes competed at the professional (n = 20) or varsity collegiate (n = 22) baseball levels and were treated using the same surgical technique tailored toward the elite athlete. The clinical history, timing of surgery, complications, and time to return to play were recorded for each patient.

Results:

All 42 patients underwent an excision of their hook of hamate fracture at a mean of 7.2 weeks (range, 0.5-52 weeks) from the onset of symptoms. All but one patient were able to return to full preinjury level of baseball participation within 6 weeks from the date of surgery, with a mean return to sport of 5.4 weeks (range, 3-8 weeks). Two patients returned to the operating room—1 for scar tissue formation causing ulnar nerve compression and 1 for residual bone fragment causing pain and ulnar nerve compression.

Conclusion:

Surgical excision of hook of hamate fractures in elite baseball players showed a very high rate of return to play within 6 weeks. Meticulous adherence to the described surgical technique tailored to athletes optimizes clinical outcomes and avoids complications.

Imaging Review of Hockey-Related Upper Extremity Injuries

Ice hockey is a fast-paced contact sport with a high incidence of injuries. Upper extremity injury is one of the most common regions of the body to be injured in hockey. This imaging review will equip the radiologist with a knowledge of the more common and severe upper extremity injuries that occur in this sport.

Morphologic Characteristics of the Sigmoid Notch of the Distal Radius for Patients With Peripheral Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear

The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is stabilized by the bony anatomy of the contact surfaces. The authors analyzed the morphologic characteristics and radiologic parameters at the sigmoid notch of patients with a peripheral triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear compared with asymptomatic patients. Preoperative axial computed tomography scans were reviewed for 76 wrists with peripheral TFCC injuries, including foveal avulsion, and 76 wrists of age- and sex-matched control subjects. The authors used axial computed tomography scans of the DRUJ to classify the patients into 4 groups according to the type of sigmoid notch, namely, flat face, ski-slope, C-type, and S-type. They also measured the tilting angle, depth, width of the sigmoid notch, and radioulnar ratio (RUR). Statistical analyses were performed with the chi-square test or paired t test (P<.05). The mean proportions of flat face, ski-slope, C-type, and S-type sigmoid notches among patients with peripheral TFCC injuries were 42%, 22%, 29%, and 7%, respectively, whereas those for the control group were 33%, 1%, 65%, and 1%, respectively (P<.05). The tilting angle was lower (TFCC injury, 84.5°; control, 86.2°; P<.05) and the RUR was significantly higher (TFCC injury, 0.67; control, 0.56) in the TFCC group, particularly for men (P<.05). Depth (TFCC injury, 1.0 mm; control, 1.3 mm; P>.05) and width (TFCC injury, 14.8 mm; control, 14.5 mm; P>.05) were similar between the groups. Patients with ski-slope or dorsally tilted sigmoid notches may be at greater risk for peripheral TFCC injuries. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(6):e729-e734.].

LT Ligament Tears

Lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injuries are uncommon, however, should be considered in patients with ulnar-sided wrist pain. LT injuries are often associated with other injuries but can occur in isolation. Understanding the anatomy and pathomechanics will aid in making the diagnosis. Similar to other injuries, a thorough history and focused physical examination is critical. Radiographs may show normal findings; however, advanced imaging can support the diagnosis. Arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Most patients do well with conservative management; however, injury acuity and severity will direct surgical management. Anatomy, pathophysiology, and treatment options are discussed.

Wrist and Hand Trauma Imaging

Injuries to the wrist and hands occur frequently in athletes from the high forces applied during sporting events. The examples presented illustrate the important role imaging has in the diagnosis of wrist and hand injuries. In addition, different imaging modalities are complementary and various examinations may be needed to help guide the management of wrist and hand traumatic pathology.

Hook of Hamate Fractures in Major and Minor League Baseball Players

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe an approach to surgical management of the hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on Major and Minor League Baseball players who underwent surgical excision for the hook of hamate fracture between the years 2003 and 2019 by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, the mechanism and timing of the injury, diagnostic and operative details, postoperative complications, and timeline to return to baseball activities were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 145 professional baseball players affiliated with 17 Major League Baseball organizations were studied, with the majority of athletes playing at the Minor League Baseball level (91.7%). Subacute or chronic patterns of injury (81.7%) were found to be more common than acute patterns based on radiographic and intraoperative findings. Two patients reported transient numbness in the fourth and fifth digits after surgery, 6 patients reported pisotriquetral pain when returning to a hitting program, and 1 patient developed heterotopic ossification after surgery. All complications resolved during a strength and conditioning program. On average, players in our cohort began a hitting program at 4.6 weeks after surgery and were released into full baseball activities at 7.1 weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical excision remains an effective method of management, with a low risk of minor complications for both acute and chronic hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV.

Performance and Return to Sport After Excision of the Fractured Hook of the Hamate in Professional Baseball Players

BACKGROUND

A fracture of the hook of the hamate is a common injury affecting professional baseball players. The treatment for these fractures ranges from nonoperative immobilization to excision of the fragment.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to report the results of surgical treatment of hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players and determine which factors are associated with return to sport (RTS) and time to RTS. The hypothesis was that there is a high rate of RTS in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of the hook of the hamate fracture with no significant decline in performance after RTS.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

All professional baseball players who underwent excision of the hook of the hamate between 2010 and 2017 were included. Player characteristic and performance data (before and after surgery) were recorded. Performance metrics were then compared before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 261 players were included. Of total injuries, 96% were due to hitting, 86% occurred on the nondominant hitting side, and 89% were acute fractures (11% were nonunion cases). Most (95%) injuries occurred at the Minor League level and 96.2% of procedures were performed by hand fellowship-trained surgeons. Eight percent of players underwent concomitant procedures. The average tourniquet time was 31 ± 13 minutes. In total, 81% of players returned to sport at the same or higher level; 3% returned to sport at a lower level. The median time to RTS after surgery was 48 days (range, 16-246 days). The tourniquet time and number of days to RTS were significantly associated with one another (P = .001; Spearman ρ = 0.290; N = 130). Player utilization significantly increased after surgery. While player efficiency, including batting average (BA), on-base percentage (OBP), and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS), significantly decreased, these changes were numerically small (BA: 0.26 ± 0.04 preoperatively vs 0.25 ± 0.04 postoperatively; OBP: 0.34 ± 0.04 preoperatively vs 0.32 ± 0.04 postoperatively; OPS: 0.73 ± 0.12 preoperatively vs 0.70 ± 0.11 postoperatively) (P < .001). There were no significant differences between rates of RTS to the same or higher level of play among acute fractures (81%) and nonunion cases (76%) (P = .837).

CONCLUSION

After surgical excision for hook of hamate fractures in professional baseball players, 84% were able to RTS, with 81% returning to the same or higher level. The median time for players to RTS after surgery was 48 days. Player usage increased after surgery, while hitting efficiency slightly declined.

Open Versus Arthroscopic Repair of 1B Ulnar-Sided Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: A Systematic Review

Background: Peripheral 1B tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) can result in distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. In the context of associated DRUJ instability, combined evidence supports successful outcomes for peripheral tear repair. Methods: The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to compare the surgical treatment of 1B TFCC tears via arthroscopic versus open methods of repair. The primary outcome measure was restored DRUJ stability. The secondary outcome measures included patient-reported outcomes and clinical outcome measures. An electronic database search of Ovid Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to cover a 20-year period. Two authors independently screened records for eligibility and extracted data. Results: Only 3 studies met the strict inclusion criteria, highlighting the poor evidence base for TFCC 1B repairs. Hence, a "secondary analysis" group was developed with modified inclusion criteria which included a further 7 studies for analysis. Pooled data from the primary and secondary analysis groups demonstrated that postoperative DRUJ stability was achieved following open repair in 84% (76/90) of cases and following arthroscopic repair in 86% (129/150) of cases. Conclusions: This SR demonstrates a current lack of high-quality evidence required to draw firm conclusions on the merits of arthroscopic versus open repair of 1B TFCC tears. There is no scientific evidence to suggest superiority of one technique over the other, albeit some surgeons and authors may express a strong personal view.

Progression of Hamate Hook Stress Reactions in Elite Baseball Players

Background:

Hamate hook fractures can occur as a result of repetitive contact with the knob of the bat used in the sport of baseball. Hamate hook excision has resulted in excellent outcomes and return to sport (RTS) in elite baseball players. The ideal treatment for hamate stress response before the development of a fracture line is unknown.

Purpose:

To report the outcomes of elite baseball players with hamate bone edema.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of all elite baseball players with hamate bone edema consistent with a stress response at 2 institutions. Players were eligible for inclusion if they played collegiate or professional baseball at the time of initial injury, had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing hamate bone edema, and had no radiographic evidence of acute fracture lines at initial presentation.

Results:

A total of 4 players with a mean age of 22.8 years were included. All injuries occurred in the nondominant hand. All athletes had normal initial wrist radiographs and MRI showing hamate edema but no fracture line. Patients returned to play as tolerated and developed an acute injury at an average of 25.8 days (range, 10-56 days) from the initial presentation. Repeat radiographs demonstrated acute hamate hook fractures in all 4 (100%) athletes. All 4 athletes underwent hamate hook excision. There were no postoperative complications. All athletes returned to sport at their previous level of competition at a mean of 5.3 weeks (range, 3.6-7.3 weeks).

Conclusion:

There is a high rate of hamate bone edema progression to acute hamate hook fracture in elite baseball players, with 100% RTS at preinjury level after hamate hook excision. We therefore recommend against prolonged rest. Continuation of play with hamate bone edema followed by hamate hook excision for acute fracture limits the time missed and obtains a faster RTS in elite baseball players.

No change in performance metrics in major league baseball players sustaining wrist fractures after being struck by an errant pitch

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effect of wrist fractures on performance metrics in Major League Baseball Players after they were hit by an errant pitch.

Methods

Players who sustained wrist fractures after being struck by a pitch were identified and changes in performance metrics were calculated.

Results

In both the short- and medium-term analysis, there were no significant differences in all pre- and post-injury offensive statistics following return to play.

Conclusion

Wrist fractures sustained after being struck by an errant pitch do not significantly impact professional baseball player performance if the player is able to return to sport.

Ulnar Abutment Syndrome in the Athlete

Ulnar abutment (ulnocarpal impaction) syndrome may be a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain in the athlete. This condition results from excessive load transfer across the triangular fibrocartilage complex and ulnocarpal joints with characteristic degenerative changes. It frequently occurs in patients with either static or dynamic ulnar positive variance. Treatment is tailored to the athlete and their sporting demands. Surgical treatment focuses on addressing ulnar variance to unload the ulnocarpal joint, with multiple surgical options, including the metaphyseal closing wedge osteotomy achieving this goal. This review focuses on the presentation, biomechanics, and treatment options for ulnar abutment syndrome in the athlete.

Scaphoid Fracture Repair Does Not Significantly Diminish Short-Term Participation in the National Football League

BACKGROUND

Fixation of scaphoid fractures is recommended in elite athletes to hasten healing and return-to-sport times. Complications such as nonunion negatively affect athletic performance.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and impact of scaphoid repair on National Football League (NFL) participation during athletes' first season in the NFL, while identifying significant predictors for development of carpal arthritis and scaphoid nonunion.

METHODS

A total of 1311 football athletes invited to the NFL Scouting Combine from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated for history of scaphoid fracture repair. Athlete demographics, surgical history, and imaging and physical examination findings were recorded. Future NFL participation based on draft status, games played, and games started during athletes' first season were gathered using publicly available databases.

RESULTS

Nineteen (1.4%) athletes underwent 24 operations for scaphoid repair. Limitations in wrist range of motion or strength were present in 47.4% of athletes with a history of repair. Arthritic changes were present in 32% of wrists, while radiographic nonunion was present in two athletes following scaphoid fracture. Defensive backs were observed to have a higher incidence for arthritic changes following repair compared to other positions. No significant difference in prospective NFL participation was found in athletes with a history of scaphoid repair than in those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletes with a history of scaphoid repair are not at significant risk for diminished participation during their first season in the NFL.

The Acutely Injured Wrist

Wrist traumas are a frequent clinical emergency for which instrumental imaging assessment is required. The purpose of this article is to review the role of imaging assessment of traumatic wrist injuries, with particular reference to fractures and associated lesions.

Return to Play After Hook of Hamate Excision in Baseball Players

Background:

Fractures of the hook of hamate in baseball players are significant injuries that can lead to pain and missed time from competition. The diagnosis is typically delayed because of the vagueness of symptoms and normal radiographic findings. Excision of the nonunited fragment has been supported as the primary treatment, but there are currently limited information and data on a timetable for return to competition after surgery.

Purpose:

To report on a large cohort of competitive baseball players with hook of hamate fractures treated with excision of the fragment and to assess the timetable for return to full athletic competition.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Competitive baseball players treated between 2012 and 2017 with hook of hamate excision for acute fractures or chronic fracture nonunions were retrospectively identified. All patients were treated by the same surgeon, and the time to return to full athletic competition was assessed. Return to play was defined as reaching the athlete’s preinjury level and being able to perform full sport activities.

Results:

A total of 41 baseball players were identified, all of whom were documented to have a chronic presentation of a nonunion or partial union. The population consisted completely of male athletes, with a median age of 21 years (range, 18-34 years). All patients were competitive athletes, with 12 professional baseball players, 17 collegiate baseball players, and 12 high school baseball players. All patients were treated with hook of hamate excision, with 7 patients undergoing concomitant procedures as indicated. The median time to return to play was 5 weeks (range, 3-7 weeks). The time to return to play was similar between professional, collegiate, and high school athletes. All athletes returned to their preinjury level of activity by 7 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusion:

This study confirms that excision of the fractured hook provides predictable, early return to play, with a limited complication rate.

Injuries to the Collateral Ligaments of the Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal Joints: Sonographic Appearance

Injuries to the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints are commonly encountered in both athletes and nonathletes. They require prompt evaluation to ensure proper management and prevent loss of joint motion and permanent disability. Imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and assess injury severity. This review article aims to provide physicians with guidelines for sonographic assessment of the collateral ligaments of the MCP and IP and related injuries. Sonographic features of ligament injuries ranging from sprains and partial-thickness tears to full-thickness tears are described. Specific lesions of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MCP joint, such as gamekeeper's thumb, skier's thumb, and Stener lesions, are also included. In conclusion, sonography is effective in evaluating the collateral ligaments of the MCP and IP joints and related injuries and represents a valuable tool for diagnosis.

Hand and Wrist Injuries: Common Problems and Solutions

Injuries to the hands and wrist are common in athletes. Injuries include acute fractures, dislocations, ligamentous, and tendon injuries, as well as more chronic injuries such as sprains and strains. Complications in the treatment of sports injuries of the hand and wrist may be divided into 2 categories: incorrect or delayed diagnosis and iatrogenic injury related to treatment. This article highlights common sports injuries of the hand and wrist and their complications, and includes tips for successful management.

Sports Injury-Related Fingers and Thumb Deformity Due to Tendon or Ligament Rupture

Background:

Hand injuries are very common in sports, such as skiing and ball sports. One of the major reasons causing hand and finger deformity is due to ligament and tendon injury. The aim of this study was to investigate if the high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can demonstrate the complex anatomy of the fingers and thumb, especially the tendons and ligaments, and provide the accurate diagnosis of clinically important fingers and thumbs deformity due to ligamentous and tendinous injuries during sport activities.

Methods:

Sixteen fresh un-embalmed cadaveric hands were harvested from eight cadavers. A total of 20 healthy volunteers' hands and 44 patients with fingers or thumb deformity due to sports-related injuries were included in this study. All subjects had MR examination with T1-weighted images and proton density-weighted imaging with fat suppression (PD FS) in axial, coronal, and sagittal plane, respectively. Subsequently, all 16 cadaveric hands were sliced into 2-mm thick slab with a band saw (six in coronal plane, six in sagittal plane, and four in axial plane). The correlation of anatomic sections and the MRI characteristics of tendons of fingers and the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpal phalangeal joint (MCPJ) of thumb between 20 healthy volunteers and 44 patients (confirmed by surgery) were analyzed.

Results:

The normal ligaments and tendons in 16 cadaveric hands and 20 volunteers' hands showed uniform low-signal intensity on all the sequences of the MRI. Among 44 patients with tendinous and ligamentous injuries in the fingers or thumb, 12 cases with UCL injury at MCPJ of the thumb (Stener lesion = 8 and non-Stener lesion = 4), 6 cases with the central slip injury, 12 cases with terminal tendon injury, and 14 cases with flexor digitorum profundus injury. The ligaments and tendons disruption manifested as increased signal intensity and poor definition, discontinuity, and heterogeneous signal intensity of the involved ligaments and tendons.

Conclusions:

Sports injury-related fingers and thumb deformity are relatively common. MRI is an accurate method for evaluation of the anatomy and pathologic conditions of the fingers and thumb. It is a useful tool for accurate diagnosis of the sports-related ligaments and tendons injuries in hand.

Hand and Wrist Injuries Among US High School Athletes: 2005/06-2015/16

BACKGROUND

The risk of hand/wrist injuries is present across various sports. Little is known about the epidemiology of such injuries. The objective of this study was to calculate the rates of hand/wrist injuries and investigate injury patterns among high school athletes.

METHODS

Athlete exposure (AE) and hand/wrist injury data were collected during 11 academic years, 2005/06 through 2015/16, from a large sample of US high schools as part of the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study.

RESULTS

There were 6723 hand/wrist injuries sustained during 40 195 806 AEs, a rate of 1.7 per 10 000 AEs. The rate of injury in competition (3.3) was higher than in practice (1.1) (95% confidence interval: 2.8-3.1). Rates of hand/wrist injuries varied by sport, with the highest rates in football (4.3), boys' lacrosse (1.9), girls' softball (1.9), wrestling (1.8), girls' field hockey (1.7), boys' ice hockey (1.7), and girls' basketball (1.7). The most common injuries were fracture (45.0%), contusion (11.6%), and ligament sprain (9.0%). Athletes most frequently returned to play in <7 days (45.7%), but 12.4% of injuries kept athletes out ≥3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

High school athletes are at risk for hand/wrist injuries. Such injuries can keep athletes out of play and many require substantial medical treatment. Stick and ball or puck sports and full contact sports have high rates of hand/wrist injuries relative to other sports, which is indicative of a need for sport-specific prevention efforts.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes After Scaphoid Fracture: Injury and Treatment Patterns in National Football League Combine Athletes Between 2009 and 2014

PURPOSE

To report on the clinical and radiologic outcomes and complications after surgical treatment in National Football League (NFL) Combine athletes with a history of a scaphoid fracture.

METHODS

The medical records of 2,285 athletes participating in the NFL Combine from 2009 to 2015 were evaluated for a history of scaphoid, hand, or wrist injury. Clinical outcomes, including grip strength, pinch test, range of motion, and presence of pain and stiffness, were recorded. Imaging studies were evaluated for the percentage of healing, fixation treatment type, hardware complications, radiographic deformity, and presence of osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

Of the 2,285 athletes evaluated, 56 presented with a history of a scaphoid fracture. Most fractures were in the middle and proximal aspects of the scaphoid. Of the scaphoid fractures, 76% (43 players) were treated with screw fixation. Of the athletes, 36 (72%) had normal range of motion of the affected wrist, 52 (93%) reported no pain, and 44 (83%) reported no stiffness in the affected wrist. The grip strength and pinch strength were 91% and 96%, respectively, of the uninjured side. The fracture was healed in 75% of the cases; however, 34% had degenerative changes. Hardware complications were found in 15% of the athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Good clinical outcomes can be achieved after scaphoid fractures in prospective NFL athletes. However, the rates of nonunion (25%), degenerative changes (34%), and hardware complications (15%) in this study suggest the need for close postoperative radiographic follow-up in this population of patients because their athletic demands may lead to higher rates of the aforementioned complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

Hamulus Stress Fracture in a Batsman: An Unusual Injury in Cricket - A Case report and Review of Literature

Introduction:

Hamulus fractures are uncommon injuries constituting 2-4% of carpal fractures and are usually reported in athletes. Stress fractures of hamulus are even rarer and very few cases have been reported till date. In this case report, we present the first documented case of stress fracture of hamulus in a cricket batsman and review the existing literature on hamulus fractures, both acute and stress fractures, in sportspersons in general.

Case Report:

A 23-year-old, right-handed, cricket batsman presented with pain in the hypothenar region of his left hand of 7 weeks duration. The pain typically worsened during batting, and he had difficulty in gripping the bat. Plain radiographs were largely inconclusive; magnetic resonance images, however, demonstrated a stress fracture of the hamate hook. The patient was put on conservative management, and his bat grip was modified. He recovered completely within 12 weeks and went back to playing professional cricket.

Conclusions:

Hamulus stress fractures should be considered in cricketers presenting with chronic, non-traumatic, and ulnar-sided hand pain. The nonleading hand is more likely to be involved in a batter, as seen in other sports with a double haSnd grip. Nonoperative treatment, change of grip and adequate rehabilitation give good outcomes in most cases.

MRI diagnosis of carpal boss and comparison with radiography

Background A carpal boss is a potentially painful bony mass in the region of the second or third carpometacarpal joint. The combination of clinical examination and radiography is usually sufficient for the diagnosis. Purpose To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the quadrangular joint can assist the diagnosis of persistent pain near a carpal boss. Material and Methods Fifty-seven patients with a carpal boss were retrospectively reviewed using MRI and conventional radiographs and compared to an asymptomatic control group. Results MRI demonstrated a variable morphology and a variety of bone and soft tissue abnormalities associated with carpal boss. Bone marrow edema around the quadrangular joint shows a significant correlation (Fisher's exact test: P < 0.001) and a positive correlation (Pearson's test r = 0.632, significant at the 0.01 level [two-tailed]) with a painful carpal boss. Conclusion MRI offers detailed examination of bone and soft tissue abnormalities associated with a carpal boss. Local bone marrow edema strongly correlates with a painful carpal boss.

Wrist Resistance Training Improves Motor Control and Strength

Chu, E, Kim, Y-S, Hill, G, Kim, YH, Kim, CK, and Shim, JK. Wrist resistance training improves motor control and strength. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 962-969, 2018-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-week direction-specific resistance training program on isometric torque control and isokinetic torque strength of the wrist joint. Nineteen subjects were randomly assigned to either the wrist training group (n = 9) or the control group (n = 10). The training group performed wrist exercises in 6 directions (flexion, extension, pronation, supination, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation), whereas the control group did not. Data were collected on the isometric torque control, 1-repetition maximum (1RM) strength, and isokinetic maximum torque (angular velocity of 60° per second wrist movements) before and after 6 weeks of resistance training and at 2-week intervals during training. The training group showed significant decreases in isometric torque control error in all 6 directions after 2 weeks of resistance training, whereas the control group did not show significant increase or decrease. After 4 weeks of training, the training group showed significant increases in maximum strength in all 6 directions as assessed by 1RM strength and isokinetic strength tests, whereas the control group did not show any statistically significant changes. This study shows that motor control significantly improves within the first 2 weeks of resistance training, whereas the wrist strength significantly improves within the first 4 weeks of resistance training. Based on the findings of this study, coaches and trainers should consider wrist resistance training to improve athletes' muscular strength and control of the wrist muscles.

Imaging Findings at the Quadrangular Joint in Carpal Boss

A carpal boss was initially described as a bony, sometimes painful mass at the quadrangular joint. Clinical examination and plain radiography will usually reveal the diagnosis. US and CT may add information. MRI may illustrate a variable bony morphology and additional bony and soft tissue pathologies. Bone marrow edema shows a significant correlation with a painful carpal boss. Hence, MRI may be of additional diagnostic value in patients with persistent pain and preoperatively. This paper presents a review of the anatomy and pathology in carpal boss. The merit of each imaging modality - in particular MRI - is mentioned.

Wrist Arthroscopy for Athletic Injuries

Management of hand and wrist injuries for athletes often places emphasis on an expeditious return to sport. Arthroscopic techniques have the advantage of directly visualizing joint derangements and correcting them via a minimally invasive approach. This article discusses the evaluation and management of common wrist injuries treated with arthroscopy in athletes, including scapholunate and lunotriquetral injury, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, hamatolunate impingement, and arthroscopic-assisted reduction of wrist fractures.

Thumb Injuries in Athletes

Thumb injuries are common in athletes and present a challenging opportunity for upper extremity physicians. Common injuries include metacarpal base fractures (Bennett and Rolando types), ulnar and radial collateral ligament injuries, dislocation of the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, and phalanx fractures. This review, although not exhaustive, highlights some of the most common thumb injuries in athletes. The treating physician must balance pressure from athletes, parents, coaches, and executives to expedite return to play with the long-term well-being of the athlete. Operative treatment may expedite return to play; however, one must carefully weigh the added risks involved with surgical intervention.

Hamate hook stress fracture in a professional bowler: Case report of an unusual causal sport

Stress fracture of the hook of the hamate is uncommon and is usually seen in sports involving a club, racquet or bat (i.e., golf, tennis or baseball). It is caused by direct blunt trauma. We report an unusual case of stress fracture with non-union in a 23-year-old professional bowler, probably caused by endogenous constraints, 1 year after the start of symptoms. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of the hook of the hamate. Multimodal imaging of this fracture is reviewed.

Imaging of Sports-related Hand and Wrist Injuries: Sports Imaging Series

Hand and wrist injuries are common occurrences in amateur and professional sports and many of them are sport-specific. These can be divided into two categories: traumatic injuries and overuse injuries. The aim of this article is to review the most common hand and wrist sports-related lesions. Acute wrist injuries are predominantly bone fractures, such as those of the scaphoid, hamate hook, and ulnar styloid. Ligament lesions are more challenging for radiologists and may lead to carpal instability if undiagnosed. Overuse wrist injuries are mainly represented by tendinous disorders, with De Quervain syndrome and extensor carpi ulnaris tendon disorders being the most common among them; however, there are other possible disorders such as impaction syndromes, stress fractures, and neurovascular lesions. Finally, finger lesions, including closed-tendon injuries (mallet and boutonniere injuries, jersey finger, and boxer's knuckle), flexor pulley injuries, and skier's thumb, should also be detected. (©) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain in the Athlete

Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be a challenging entity for the hand surgeon and even more so in the athletic population. The authors present 8 causes of ulnar-sided wrist pain in an athlete (hook of hamate fracture, pisiform fracture, hypothenar hammer syndrome, triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries, ulnocarpal impaction syndrome, lunotriquetral ligament tears, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinitis, subluxation of extensor carpi ulnaris) and their associated imaging and treatment options.

Thumb Ligament Injuries in the Athlete

Hand injuries account for up to 15% of sports injuries and are common in contact sports and in sports with a high risk of falling. Appropriate management requires knowledge of the type of injury, demands of the sport and position, competitive level of the athlete, future athletic demands and expectations, and the role of rehabilitation and protective splints for return to play. Management of the athlete requires aggressive and expedient diagnostic intervention and treatment. This article describes ligamentous injuries to the thumb, including thumb carpometacarpal dislocations, thumb metacarpophalangeal dislocations, collateral ligament injuries and interphalangeal dislocations, their evaluation, treatment and outcomes.

Sports-related wrist and hand injuries: a review

Background

Hand and wrist injuries are common during athletics and can have a significant impact especially if initially disregarded. Due to their high level of physical demand, athletes represent a unique subset of the population.

Main body

The following is an overview of hand and wrist injuries commonly seen in athletics. Information regarding evaluation, diagnosis, conservative measures, and surgical treatment are provided.

Conclusion

Knowledge of these entities and special consideration for the athlete can help the team physician effectively treat these players and help them achieve their goals.

Extensor Tendon Impingement in a Gymnast

Wrist injuries in the gymnast are due to the transformation of the upper extremity into a weight bearing entity. Gymnast wrist pain presents a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here, we present a new case of extensor tendon impingement in an elite gymnast. To our knowledge, there is no similar report in the literature.

Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T2 mapping at 3T MRI of the wrist: Feasibility and clinical application

PURPOSE

To assess the feasibility of delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC) and T₂ mapping for biochemical imaging of the wrist at 3T.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with wrist pain (mean age, 41.4 ± 13.1 years) including a subgroup with chondromalacia (n = 11) and 15 healthy volunteers (26.0 ± 2.2 years) underwent dGEMRIC and T₂ mapping at 3T. For dGEMRIC, the optimum time window after contrast-injection (gadopentetate dimeglumine) was defined as the plateau of the T₁ curve of repeated measurements 15-90 minutes postinjection and assessed in all volunteers. Reference values of healthy-appearing cartilage from all individuals and values in areas of chondromalacia were assessed using region-of-interest analyses. Receiver-operating-characteristic analyses were applied to assess discriminatory ability between damaged and normal cartilage.

RESULTS

The optimum time window was 45-90 minutes, and the 60-minute timepoint was subsequently used. In chondromalacia, dGEMRIC values were lower (551 ± 84 msec, P < 0.001), and T₂ values higher (63.9 ± 17.7, P = 0.001) compared to healthy-appearing cartilage of the same patient. Areas under the curve did not significantly differ between dGEMRIC (0.91) and T₂ mapping (0.99; P = 0.17). In healthy-appearing cartilage of volunteers and patients, mean dGEMRIC values were 731.3 ± 47.1 msec and 674.6 ± 72.1 msec (P = 0.01), and mean T₂ values were 36.5 ± 5 msec and 41.1 ± 3.2 msec (P = 0.009), respectively.

CONCLUSION

At 3T, dGEMRIC and T₂ mapping are feasible for biochemical cartilage imaging of the wrist. Both techniques allow separation and biochemical assessment of thin opposing cartilage surfaces and can distinguish between healthy and damaged cartilage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:381-389.

ACUTE LESION OF THE MOTOR BRANCH OF THE ULNAR NERVE IN THE WRIST AFTER TUG-OF-WAR TRAINING

Papers correlating clinical and electrophysiological findings relating to ulnar nerve lesions in the wrist are uncommon in the literature, if compared with elbow injuries. We present the case of a patient with atrophy of the intrinsic musculature of the hand, secondary to injury only of the motor branch of the ulnar nerve, which is located in Guyon's canal close to the hamate hook. We review the anatomical, clinical and neurophysiological aspects of distal ulnar nerve injuries and we emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches. Specifically in relation to the mechanism of injury of this patient (tug-of-war), we did not find any similar cases in the literature. We issue an alert regarding the risks during military physical training.

MRI of the hand and fingers

Injuries of the hand and fingers occur commonly in professional athletes as well as weekend warriors. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a vital role in the evaluation of these injuries for accurate diagnosis, preoperative planning, potential complication, and follow-up during rehabilitation. A detailed analysis of these smaller structures necessitates optimal imaging quality coupled with comprehensive knowledge of the imaging anatomy. In this article, we discuss technical aspects and normal anatomy of hand and fingers imaging on magnetic resonance imaging. This section is followed by discussion of soft tissue and osseous injuries including mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, and imaging findings.