Aim: To determine the value of high-resolution ultrasound in the evaluation of finger injuries and changes due to strain in the fingers of extreme rock climbers.
Methods: High-frequency ultrasound was performed on 208 fingers of 52 extreme rock climbers (mean age: 29.7 yrs) and on 80 fingers of 20 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.5 yrs). The following parameters were sonographically assessed: thickness of the pulley-system A2, distance between phalanx and tendon (PS distance), gliding ability of the flexor tendons, and the periarticular and peri-tendinous space. The examination was performed on the handling in a supinated position with extended fingers, followed by active and passive flexion of about 40 degrees. All climbers also underwent clinical examination.
Results: The pulley-system of climbers showed a significantly increased thickness of 0.17 (+/- 0.09) cm compared with the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). PS-distances of up to 0.51 (+/- 0.15) cm were found only in symptomatic climbers and proved to be a sign of tendon bow-stringing. No impairment of gliding ability was seen in both groups. Tendon sheath cysts were detected in 76% (62) of symptomatic fingers of the climbers.
Conclusions: Non-invasive high-resolution ultrasound examination of fingers proved to be a very helpful method for diagnosing changes due to strain as well as finger injuries in rock climbers, especially in cases where the clinical examination was difficult to perform.