[Value of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of finger injuries in extreme sport climbers].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of finger injuries and changes due to strain in the fingers of extreme rock climbers.


METHODS
High-frequency ultrasound was performed on 208 fingers of 52 extreme rock climbers (mean age: 29.7 yrs) and on 80 fingers of 20 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.5 yrs). The following parameters were sonographically assessed: thickness of the pulley-system A2, distance between phalanx and tendon (PS distance), gliding ability of the flexor tendons, and the periarticular and peri-tendinous space. The examination was performed on the handling in a supinated position with extended fingers, followed by active and passive flexion of about 40 degrees. All climbers also underwent clinical examination.


RESULTS
The pulley-system of climbers showed a significantly increased thickness of 0.17 (+/- 0.09) cm compared with the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). PS-distances of up to 0.51 (+/- 0.15) cm were found only in symptomatic climbers and proved to be a sign of tendon bow-stringing. No impairment of gliding ability was seen in both groups. Tendon sheath cysts were detected in 76% (62) of symptomatic fingers of the climbers.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-invasive high-resolution ultrasound examination of fingers proved to be a very helpful method for diagnosing changes due to strain as well as finger injuries in rock climbers, especially in cases where the clinical examination was difficult to perform.
Klauser
A
A
Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, Universitätsklinik Innsbruck, Austria. andrea.klauser@uibk.ac.at
Frauscher
F
F
Bodner
G
G
Cihak
C
C
Gabl
M
M
Schocke
M
M
Smekal
V
V
Helweg
G
G
Zur Nedden
D
D
D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D009051:Mountaineering; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography