The wrist of the formula 1 driver

Objectives-During formula 1 driving, repetitive cumulative trauma may provo ke nerve disorders such as nerve compression syndrome as well as osteoligam ent injuries. A study based on interrogatory and clinical examination of 22 drivers was carried out during the 1998 formula 1 World Championship in or der to better define the type and frequency of these lesions. Methods-The questions investigated nervous symptoms, such as paraesthesia a nd diminishment of sensitivity, and osteoligamentous symptoms, such as pain , specifying the localisation (ulnar side, dorsal aspect of the wrist, snuf f box) and the effect of the wrist position on the intensity of the pain. C linical examination was carried out bilaterally and symmetrically. Results-Fourteen of the 22 drivers reported symptoms. One suffered cramp in his hands at the end of each race and one described a typical forearm effo rt compartment syndrome. Six drivers had effort "osteoligamentous" symptoms : three scapholunate pain; one medial hyperpcomression of the wrist; two se quellae of a distal radius fracture. Seven reported nerve disorders: two ef fort carpal tunnel syndromes; one typical carpal tunnel syndrome; one effor t cubital tunnel syndrome; three paraesthesia in all fingers at the end of a race, without any objective signs. Conclusions-This appears to be the first report of upper extremity disorder s in competition drivers. The use of a wrist pad to reduce the effects of v ibration may help to prevent trauma to the wrist in formula 1 drivers.