Sports Injuries of the Hand, Wrist, and Elbow.

Overview

Sports injuries of the upper extremity are a common problem seen by those who care for athletes and those who manage upper extremity injuries. The term "high-level athlete" may include adolescents and high school students, collegiate athletes, and of course, the professional athlete. However, the "weekend warrior" can sustain similar injuries and can have a similar desire to return to play as quickly as possible. The challenge in management of these injuries to the elbow, wrist, and hand is identifying those injuries that will benefit from early surgery compared with those that may be safely treated nonsurgically. A rapid return to play may be possible with some injuries with cast or splint immobilization based on the sport and position played. Management of common sports injuries of the hand, wrist, and medial elbow should be reviewed with consideration of return to play.