Abstract
BackgroundPulley injuries are common among rock climbers, which is a growing population. Hand therapists need a therapeutic intervention which promotes healing and enables participation. PurposeThe purpose of this case series is to detail the functional outcomes of a 12-week protocol using a pulley ring orthosis (PRO) among rock climbers with a grade I, II, or III pulley injury. Study DesignA prospective repeated measures case series followed the healing timeline of four participants who rock climbed while wearing the invervention device, the PRO, with weekly measurements to monitor healing MethodsParticipants with a grade I, II, or III A2 pulley injury were custom fitted for a PRO, which they wore while rock climbing a minimum of 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Weekly check-ins were scheduled for subjective and objective measurements. ResultsAll participants demonstrated indicators of full healing, which, in this study, is defined as progressive improvement in strength, function, and pain, without interruption of their typical rock climbing schedules. ConclusionsProviders should consider the use of a PRO as a protective orthosis for rock climbing patients with a low-grade A2 pulley injury who want to continue rock climbing while they are healing.
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