Gymnast wrist | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Gymnast wrist

AP (image 1) and lateral (image 2) radiograph of the wrist show widening (arrow) of the distal radius physis and sclerosis along the metaphyseal margin consistent with gymnast wrist. Gymnast wrist is an overuse injury of the distal radius physis caused by chronic stress related to weightbearing caused by handstands and handsprings.

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X-ray of the wrist in a gymnast shows widening of the physis of the distal radius typical of gymnast’s wrist. This is a stress-related injury caused by compressive loading of the wrist. Athletes at risk have poor nutrition and are undergoing puberty and growth spurts. This injury is treated with rest. #MSKMonday

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This patient came in with this cast already applied. S/he has a distal radius fracture. I've never seen a cast done like this before. Is there a reason ? or was the person untrained? It was causing wrist pain so it was removed... pending orthopedic follow up.

AP (image 1), scaphoid view (image 2), and lateral (image 3) radiographs of the wrist in a gymnast demonstrate widening of the radial aspect of the radial physis, consistent with gymnast's wrist. Gymnast's wrist is an overuse injury affecting those who experience repetitive stress at the wrist joint. It is characterized as a Salter-Harris type I equivalent. Patients present with pain at the distal wrist, and radiographs show widening and irregularity of the physis.