REVIEW

Extensor carpi ulnaris injuries in tennis players: a study of 28 cases

B Montalvan¹, J Parier², J L Brasseur³, D L Viet⁴ and J L Drape⁵

¹ Sports Medicine, French Tennis Federation, Paris, France
² Physical Medicine Sports Medicine, French Tennis Federation
³ French Tennis Federation
⁴ Hand Surgeon, Medical School, Paris
⁵ Université Cochin, Paris

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Dr Montalvan
French Tennis Federation, 2 avenue Gordon Bennett, Paris 75016, France; bernard.montalvan2{at}libertysurf.fr

Pain on the ulnar side of the wrist is common among elite tennis players. Ten years of experience has allowed identification of a pathology involving the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. On the basis of 28 clinical cases seen over the last five years, three clinical patterns are described: (a) acute instability of the ECU; (b) tendinopathy; (c) ECU rupture. Each of these clinical entities requires a different therapeutic approach. A review of the relevant anatomy is provided.

View larger version (147K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 3  Views of the wrist showing that, during pronation, the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon follows a straight path, whereas during supination it is forced to adopt an approximately 30° angle. Informed consent was obtained for publication of this figure.

 

Abbreviations: ECU, extensor carpi ulnaris; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging

Keywords: extensor carpi ulnaris; tennis; wrist; tendinopathy

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Commentary

S C Umansky⁶

⁶ Lexington Clinic, Lexington, KY, USA; suman{at}lexclin.com

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