Preface

The incidence of athletic injuries continues to increase for a number of reasons. First, high school and collegiate athletes continue to grow in size, power, and speed as compared with the past. This results in higher velocity and energy injuries. In addition, “weekend warrior” athletic injuries continue to increase as our population continues to participate in athletic activities throughout the life span.

This issue of Hand Clinics concentrates on athletic injuries of the elbow, wrist, and hand. Previously, when one thought of athletic pathology, injuries to the knee and shoulder were usually first to come to mind. However, athletic injuries to the elbow, wrist, and hand are quite common, both in younger and older athletes. In the past mind set, these types of injuries to the upper extremity were trivial. Yet, if they are not ideally managed, complications can occur, which can keep the skilled athlete or weekend warrior out for a prolonged period of time.

Upper extremity experts from around the country offer their insight, tips, tricks, and pearls for management of upper extremity athletic injuries. The latest open and arthroscopic techniques involving injuries of the elbow, wrist, and hand are discussed in detail. In addition, the importance of rehabilitation and the early safe return of the athlete with protective bracing to competition are reviewed.

I would like to thank the internationally well-known authors for their contributions in the management of upper extremity athletic injuries in the hope of early safe return to athletic competition.