Fingerschäden jugendlicher leistungskletterer - Vergleichende analyse der Deutschen jugendnationalmannschaft sowie einer gleichaltrigen vergleichsgruppe von freizeitkletterern

Introduction: As competition climbing is becoming more and more popular, younger people are entering the sport. While radiographic changes in long time climbers are known, few data are available for adolescent climbers. The question arises whether climbing on high levels at young age leads to an early onset of osteoarthrosis of the finger joints. Methods: 19 members of the German Youth National Team and 18 recreational climbers are examined clinically as well as through radiographs of the right hand in ap. view and of the right ring finger in lateral view. To evaluate physiologic response to the high stress a joint capsular index for the middle finger is analysed. The Barnett Nordin Index is recorded for analysis of cortical hypertrophy . Results: Injuries and overuse syndromes were concentrated on the upper extremity in both groups. A significant difference of the joint capsular index (p = 0.18) and Barnett Nordin Index (p = 0.89) was not present. 6 climbers (32%) of the youth national team presented a decreased range of motion for the small finger joints none of the recreational climbers. 8 (42%) of youth national team and 4 (22%) of recreational climbers complained about occasional swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joint. In 47% of the youth national team and 28% of the spare time climbers stress reactions could be found in radiographs. In each group one climber presented with an old epiphyseal fracture. Conclusion: We could demonstrate a good health situation of our junior national team. Whether the stress reactions in the radiographs may result in a higher risk of osteoarthritis in the future will be clarified by continuing the study with radiographic re-evaluation after 3 and 5 years. The risk of epiphyseal fractures must be observed closely.