1. Forearm, Wrist, and Hand
Common Injuries

2. Barton Fracture
Fracture to the distal radius with dislocation of radiocarpal joint
Most common fracture/dislocation of the wrist

3. Baseball/Mallet Finger
Deformity of the DIP due to forceful flexion of the phalanx
Occurs when object hits the end of the finger when the extensor tendon is taut
Caused when catching a ball
The tip of the finger drops and can not actively extend
Splinted 6-8 weeks

4. Bennett Fracture
A fracture/dislocation to the proximal end of the 1st metacarpal at the carpalmetacarpal (CMC) joint
An articular fracture
Due to axial compression (punching with a closed fist)
Pain & swelling are localized
Thumb spica splint worn for ~ 4 wks

5. Boutionneirre Deformity
“buttonhole” deformity
Caused by a rupture on the extensor tendon at the PIP
Trauma occurs to the top of the finger which forces the PIP into excessive flexion
Severe pain and inability to extend the PIP joint
Splint PIP 6-8 wks

6. Boxer Fracture
Fracture of the 5th MC resulting in a flexion deformity due to rotation of the head of the metacarpal over the neck
Occurs when one punches an object with a closed fist

7. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most common compression syndrome of wrist & hand
Caused by direct trauma or repetitive overuse
Compression of median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel
Pain & tingling in the hand

9. Colles Fracture
Fracture of the distal radius which distal fragments angulate dorsally
Mechanism – fall on outstretched hand
“dinner-fork” deformity
Radius displaces from hyperextension

10. Felon An abscess located within the fat pad of the fingertips
Can lead to osteomyelitis – inflammation or infection of the bone and bone marrow

11. Fracture (radius, ulna)
Caused by axial loading when an individual falls on an outstretched hand
Galeazzi Fx
Fracture of radius with associated dislocation of ulna
Monteggia Fx
Fracture of ulna with associated dislocation of radial head

12. Ganglion
A cysts that is normally benign on the dorsal aspect of the wrist
Seldom causes pain or loss of function

13. Navicular Fracture
Becomes impinged against the radial styloid during hyperextension
Caused by axial loading when an individual falls on an outstretched hand
Point radial styloid & anatomical snuffbox
Pain increases with wrist extension & radial deviation

14. Paronychia
Infection along the nail fold commonly associated with a hangnail
Caused by fungal organism

15. Profundous Tendon Rupture
“jersey finger”
Rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from the distal phalanx due to rapid extension of finger while flexed
Occurs when individual grabs opponents’ jersey & they simultaneously twist & turn
Ring finger is most common

16. Smith’s Fracture
Distal radius fracture where distal fragments angulate volarly
Caused by hyperflexion

18. Subungual Hematoma
A collection of blood under the fingernail caused by direct trauma to nail bed

19. Volkmann’s Ischemic Contracture
Ischemic necrosis of the forearm muscles and tissues caused by damaged blood vessels
The hand is cold, numb, & white
No pulse = medical emergency

20. Gamekeeper’s Thumb
A sprain to the ulnar collateral ligament of the MCP joint of the thumb. Common to athletes.
Signs include pain over the ulnar collateral ligament in addition to a weak and painful pinch. Tenderness and swelling over the medial aspect of the thumb.

21. Dislocations
Have a high incidence in athletics. Can occur to either the PIP or DIP joints.
RICE, especially elevation while taking to physician.
Once reduce, if not fractured, then you have a sprained finger.