Neurovascular problems in the forearm, wrist, and hand

• Published in: Clinics in sports medicine Vol. 17; no. 3; p. 585
• Main Authors: Nuber, G W, Assenmacher, J, Bowen, M K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.1998
• Subjects: Athletic Injuries - complications; Blood Vessels - injuries; Forearm - blood supply; Forearm - innervation; Forearm Injuries - complications; Hand - blood supply; Hand - innervation; Hand Injuries - complications; Humans; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - etiology; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - therapy; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - diagnosis; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - etiology; Peripheral Vascular Diseases - therapy; Wrist - blood supply; Wrist - innervation; Wrist Injuries - complications
• ISSN: 0278-5919
• DOI: 10.1016/S0278-5919(05)70103-4

This article attempted to summarize the most common neurovascular injuries of the upper extremity, particularly the forearm, wrist, and hand. Although these injuries are rarely encountered in athletes, their pathology and treatment must be understood by the treating physician. Failure to recognize these injuries in a timely manner can lead to delay in diagnosis and weeks or months of lost participation by the athlete. The sports medicine physician must be aware of the potential risk for injury to the neurovascular structures, particularly in the athlete exposed to repetitive use or impact of the upper extremity. Timely recognition, diagnosis, and treatment will avoid the potential risk for permanent injury.