Assessing Finger Flexor Pulley Injuries in Climbers: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical and Functional Testing Methods

Autor: Rosa Grazia Bellomo, Danilo Bruni, Andrea Pantalone, Claudia Barbato
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Applied Sciences, Vol 14, Iss 19, p 9113 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2076-3417
DOI: 10.3390/app14199113
Popis: Objectives: This systematic review addressed the following questions: what are the most recommended diagnostic criteria for pulley injuries in finger flexors among climbers? What is the best functional or classification clinical test for these injuries based on the available evidence? Materials and Methods: Following the PRISMA Statement checklist, a systematic literature review was conducted between August and September 2023, using a search on the PubMed database with a string of keywords and MeSH terms. The PEDro scale was used to analyze bias in the individual studies examined. Conclusions: Based on the exclusion criteria and research question, 14 articles with heterogeneous study designs were selected. Studies involving diagnosis through clinical examination or instrumental tests were analyzed. The data obtained provide an overview of different diagnostic and classification criteria for the injury under consideration. Ultrasounds remain the gold standard in diagnosing finger pulley injuries. The distance between the tendon and bone is the most used diagnostic criterion, with a distance greater than 2 mm corresponding to an A2 or A4 pulley injury. The clinical sign of bowstringing coincides with a multiple pulley injury involving A2, A3, and A4. Clinical signs, ultrasounds, and grip strength should be evaluated for a comprehensive diagnosis. A grip deficit of 41.4% corresponds to a pulley injury.
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