WRIST PROBLEMS IN THE TENNIS PLAYER

Although wrist injuries in tennis may occur from acute direct trauma, most injuries occur due to chronic overuse. Wrist biomechanics in tenn is indicate that a wide range of wrist motion may not be necessary for effective play. The nature of the injury should be established as ear ly as possible with the goals of restoring the wrist to a pain-free st able unit with normal range of motion. A secondary goal is to return t he athlete to play as quickly as possible. Key points of the athlete's history are acute or chronic onset, progressive symptoms, and severit y of symptoms, i.e., limitation of play. Key points of the physical ex amination include localization of maximal tenderness, edema, loss of r ange of motion, and bilateral grip strength. Plain roentgenograms shou ld always be obtained. Specific imaging studies may be indicated and i nclude bone scan, computed tomography, and arthrography. Specific and common wrist tennis injuries are discussed and treatment recommendatio ns are given. Wrist problems in tennis are no uncommon and are respons ible for a significant amount of lost playing time. Familiarity with t he more common problems will enhance the physician's ability to evalua te and treat these athletes.