Flexor Tendon Pulley Injuries in Rock Climbers. 2017

Elizabeth A King, and John R Lien
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, TriHealth Hospital System, 538 Oak Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.

Closed pulley ruptures are rare in the general population but occur more frequently in rock climbers due to biomechanical demands on the hand. Injuries present with pain and swelling over the affected pulley, and patients may feel or hear a pop at the time of injury. Sequential pulley ruptures are required for clinical bowstringing of the flexor tendons. Ultrasound confirms diagnosis of pulley rupture and evaluates degree of displacement of the flexor tendons. Isolated pulley ruptures frequently are treated conservatively with early functional rehabilitation. Sequential pulley ruptures require surgical reconstruction. Most climbers are able to return to their previous activity level.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009051 Mountaineering A sport involving mountain climbing techniques. Mountaineerings
D005383 Finger Injuries General or unspecified injuries involving the fingers. Injuries, Finger,Finger Injury,Injury, Finger
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012421 Rupture Forcible or traumatic tear or break of an organ or other soft part of the body. Ruptures
D013708 Tendon Injuries Injuries to the fibrous cords of connective tissue which attach muscles to bones or other structures. Injuries, Tendon,Injury, Tendon,Tendon Injury

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