Management of acute hand injuries in athletes

Athletic hand injuries present a unique challenge for the treating surgeon. Apart from a detailed understanding of the pathoanatomy of each injury, the surgeon also needs to appreciate the specific demands placed on the injured athlete in their sport in order to ensure an optimal outcome with a timely return to competition. In this article, the most commonly encountered acute hand injuries in athletes are reviewed, focussing on the assessment, principles of treatment and consideration of rehabilitation as pertinent to athletes.