Epidemiology of Hand and Wrist Injuries in Outdoor Recreational Activities

Abstract

Introduction: With participation in outdoor and remote activities rising, it is essential for wilderness medicine clinicians to be aware of the hand, wrist, and forearm injuries that commonly occur. From mountain biking to rock climbing to dog walking, hand and wrist injuries are ubiquitous, and knowledge of them can improve preparedness. Methods: This was a retrospective study that evaluated hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, sustained during recreational outdoor activities, that then presented to orthopaedics. Data were recorded over the course of 1 calendar year for activity, body part, injury type, sex, age, and the need for surgery. This was then analyzed to highlight trends. Results: Of 436 hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, the wrist was the most frequently injured upper extremity body part with 253 injuries. The most common type of injury was fracture with 336, and of these fractures, 170 were of the distal radius. Biking, skateboarding, and dog walking were the most common causes of injury, and the most frequently injured patients were young men and older women. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of clinician preparation for evaluation and management of hand, wrist, and forearm injuries, including distal radius fractures. It also highlights the importance of recognizing patients at risk for osteoporosis. Having knowledge of the leading injuries, most common mechanisms, and most at-risk patients helps with clinician training, provider and kit preparedness, and participant education.