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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2005; 09(4): 334-345
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-923378
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Imaging of Rock Climbing Injuries

Carlo Martinoli1 , Stefano Bianchi2 , Anne Cotten3
  • 1Cattedra di Radiologia “R”-DICMI-Università di Genova, Largo Rosanna Benzi 8, I-16132, Genova, Italy
  • 2Clinique et Fondation des Grangettes, CH-1224 Chene-Bougeries, Switzerland
  • 3Department of Bone Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitarie de Lille, Hopital Roger Salengro, Boulevard de Pr. Jules Leclercq. 59037 Lille Cedex, France
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 November 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Competition climbing has grown increasingly in popularity, and many people are being drawn to this sport with a parallel increase in the occurrence of sport-related injuries. One of the most common and unique lesions occurring in the rock climbing population is the closed rupture of the flexor pulley system of the fingers. This lesion is strictly related to some climbing techniques in which the entire body weight is placed on fingerholds, which causes bowstringing of the flexor tendons with subsequent loss of strength across the full range of motion of the finger. This article summarizes the current literature regarding the application of imaging modalities in the diagnosis of rock climbing injuries with a specific focus on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Biomechanics of the sporting activity and resultant pathophysiologic and clinical considerations concerning flexor pulley system injuries are also discussed.

KEYWORDS

Annular pulleys - hand injuries - rock climbing - ultrasound - MR imaging

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Carlo MartinoliM.D. 

Cattedra di Radiologia “R”-DICMI-Università di Genova

Largo Rosanna Benzi 8, I-16132, Genova, Italy