Abstract des Autors

One of the most difficult decisions athletic trainers are faced with is determining when an athlete is ready to resume play after an injury. Conflicting opinions from doctors only add to this dilemma. One injury that often causes conflicting opinions regarding what course of action to take is a fracture to the wrist or hand. The conservative approach often seen in traditional medicine consists of splinting or immobilization in a cast for six or more weeks, depending upon the location and type of fracture. During this time, the athlete is not allowed to participate in sports that require much use of the hands. In contrast, some sports physicians employ an aggressive approach that includes the fabrication of a padded splint that the athlete can wear during practice and competition. Using this method, the athlete often is able to return to competition within a week or two after the injury. This is a case report of a collegiate basketball player who sustained a fracture of his right fourth metacarpal and the two physicians' opposing views regarding treatment of the injury. Based upon the athlete's recovery from a similar injury, the athletic training staff chose to follow the aggressive approach and allowed him to particpate while wearing a padded splint. Our one-year follow-up examination and evaluation of the athlete indicated that our treatment was appropriate. Verf.-Referat