Occult Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries in Adolescent Golfers

J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2023 Apr;28(2):278-281. doi: 10.1142/S2424835523720116.

Abstract

Publications on lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) injuries among adolescent professional golfers are scarce. Inconclusive clinical and radiographic imaging in rendering a definitive treatment may inform the lack of documentation in literature. In this case study, we present three case series of highly competitive adolescent golfers who presented with persistent and intractable ulnar-sided wrist pain. While the physical examination was clinically suspicious for lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injury, plain radiographs and MRI imaging did not elucidate the cause. The diagnosis was confirmed solely via wrist arthroscopy. Although most ulna-sided wrist pain can be treated conservatively, without a proper diagnosis, a missed LTIL injury can be disastrous to an adolescent golfers' future. This case series aims to create awareness of the diagnosis and stress the advantages of utilising wrist arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Keywords: Adolescent golfers; Clinical findings; Lunotriquetral injuries; Professional athletes; Wrist arthroscopy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthralgia
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries
  • Radiography
  • Wrist Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Wrist Injuries* / therapy
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging