Pitfalls in athletic hand injuries

Abstract

Athletic hand injuries provide the opportunity for excellent patient outcomes. The patients are motivated and desireto return to activity. The treating physician has an obligation to the athlete to provide an early, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. There are common pitfalls that can be avoided with a thorough examination and knowledge of the anatomy. The sprained finger is a diagnosis of exclusion and should not be made until other injuries have been removed from the differential list. If the injured hand is not carefully evaluated, diagnosis will be missed and patient morbidity will result. An early and accurate diagnosis allows early, appropriate treatment and rapid return to sports participation. An organized examination with attention to the pathological anatomy will avoid the common pitfalls in athletic hand injuries.