Abstract
Athletes are more prone to injury because of their prolonged training, dedication and body contact, and the injuries they sustain, with some unusual exceptions, are the same as those occurring in the general population but there is more pressure to return the athlete to their chosen sport with some times, little concern for the future. Australia, and South Australia in particular, enjoys a wonderful climate that allows year round outdoor activities with a consequent potential increase in the risk of injury.
The history and clinical examination remain the mainstay of diagnosis and coupled with the knowledge of the type and extent of injury, sport involved and level of competition, appropriate investigation can be arranged leading to a conclusive diagnosis and a positive therapeutic approach.
Injuries to the wrist and hand vary from overuse type tenosynovitis through to major carpal injuries with possible neurological and vascular compromise. and as well as helping the athlete return to sport as effectively and quickly as possible, it is also important to consider the implications for the patient in the future, once he or she has retired from competitive involvement. This aspect is further accentuated by monetary gain which may influence the athlete, coaches, etc.
As well as discussing management of selected injuries to the wrist and hand, several more unusual “sporting injuries” will be addressed.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor Jegan Krishnan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park 5047, Australia.
