title: Flexor Tendon Pulley Injuries in Rock Climbers.
abstract: Closed pulley ruptures are rare in the general population but occur more frequently in rock climbers due to biomechanical demands on the hand. Injuries present with pain and swelling over the affected pulley, and patients may feel or hear a pop at the time of injury. Sequential pulley ruptures are required for clinical bowstringing of the flexor tendons. Ultrasound confirms diagnosis of pulley rupture and evaluates degree of displacement of the flexor tendons. Isolated pulley ruptures frequently are treated conservatively with early functional rehabilitation. Sequential pulley ruptures require surgical reconstruction. Most climbers are able to return to their previous activity level.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cincinnati, TriHealth Hospital System, 538 Oak Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA. Electronic address: jlien@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Lien
mesh_terms: D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries*; D012421:Rupture / Q000628:therapy*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Pulley reconstruction; Pulley rupture; Rock climbing