To permit a smooth entry into the water, platform divers assume a spec
ial position with their hands. An older method consists of hitting the
water with both fists closed while holding one thumb in the. palm of
the other hand. In a newer technique fingers and wrists are hyperexten
ded, the 'forearms pronated, and the hands overlapped. In this series
of 21 divers, the injuries included 2 fractures and 5 sprains treated
by conservative methods. Two divers required surgery: one with loose b
odies in the radiocarpal articulation, the other with chronic rupture
of the trapeziometacarpal ligament and synovitis of both extensor poll
icis brevis and longus. Eighteen divers complained of pain caused by t
he impact of the hand with the water. A kinetic analysis with a video
imaging system explains the mechanism and forces of water penetration.