Stress changes of the distal radial epiphysis in young gymnasts. A report of twenty-one cases and a review of the literature.
Between 1980 and 1983, 21 young, high-performance gymnasts with stress changes related to the distal radial epiphysis, were treated and followed for a mean of 24 months (range, 6 to 42 months). Eleven of the gymnasts presented with roentgenographic changes of the distal radial epiphysis, and in these recovery took at least 3 months. This group was compared to a group of ten gymnasts who had similar symptoms but no roentgenographic changes, and who recovered within an average of 4 weeks. The roentgenographic changes, which are described in detail, are considered to represent stress changes, possibly stress fractures, of the distal radial epiphysis. No residual growth-related problems have been observed. Possible etiologic factors are discussed, and the literature as it pertains to stress-related adaptation and injury in the growing athlete is reviewed.
D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D006173:Gymnastics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications*; D014953:Wrist