Top 5 Injuries of the Hand and Wrist in Teens

Hand and wrist injuries are common among adolescents and children, especially with the popularity of contact sports like lacrosse, field hockey, and football. It is important for parents of children, teens and young adults to understand the most common potential wrist and hand injuries for your young athlete.

Here are the top hand and wrist injuries in teens:

1. Metacarpal Fracture
   Metacarpal fractures are the most common hand injuries and are most likely to occur in adolescence. This fracture occurs from blunt force applied to a closed fist, resulting in a break in the bones that make up the palm.
2. Scaphoid Fracture
   Scaphoid fractures are some of the most common wrist fractures and have a peak incidence rate of about 15 years old. These fractures involve a break in the small carpal bones within the wrist, causing pain and tenderness.
3. Skier’s Thumb
   Skier’s thumb is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint causing pain at the base of the thumb, specifically the web between the thumb and index finger. Without proper treatment, this injury can result in chronic instability.
4. Distal Radial Fracture
   Distal radial fractures occur in the radius bone near the wrist and are typically the result of a fall on an outstretched hand. These fractures are among the most common pediatric wrist fractures.
5. Jammed Finger
   Jammed fingers are common in teen sports and occur when the outstretched finger is compressed toward the hand. This causes the ligaments supporting the finger to stretch, often resulting in a sprain.

Because adolescents are still growing, treatment of these injuries without delay is essential to avoid long-term hand and wrist damage. Seek the help of an expert in hand and wrist orthopedic care. If your teen is experiencing pain in their hand or wrist after a hit or fall, contact Dr. Jason Shrouder-Henry for a consultation.

AUTHOR: Jason Shrouder-Henry MD MBA, is a Board certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, and shoulder throughout Chicagoland and NW Indiana.