Extensor Retinaculum Impingement in the Athlete A New Diagnosis

BackgroundAthletes with repetitive weightbearing hyperextension activities are predisposed to wrist pain.PurposeTo describe extensor retinaculum impingement of the extensor tendons as a new diagnosis for wrist pain for the athlete performing repetitive wrist hyperextension, to present cadaveric dissections to further understand the anatomical basis for extensor retinaculum impingement, and to report treatment outcomes of extensor retinaculum impingement.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed for athletes treated from 1987 to 2006 for wrist pain due to extensor retinaculum impingement. Eight wrists in 7 athletes were reviewed with a mean presenting age of 19.6 years. The hallmark symptom was dorsal wrist pain, and signs were extensor tendon synovitis and tenderness at the distal border of the extensor retinaculum, provoked by wrist hyperextension. Ten cadaveric wrists were dissected and examined to evaluate anatomical factors that may contribute to e...