Wrist and Hand Injuries in Basketball

Over the years, basketball has become increasingly competitive and has transformed into a full-contact sport. Due to this condition, basketball athletes are often injured. Aggressive contact results frequently in injuries in the lower or upper extremities or the chest. This chapter focuses on basketball injuries of the wrist and hand. These injuries are related to various anatomical structures of the hand. Starting with bone injuries, we study the frequently encountered scaphoid fracture and its particular management related to the scaphoid’s unique anatomy. We then discuss metacarpal fractures and finally fractures of the hook of the hamate. Subsequently, we investigate injuries of the wrist and hand ligaments, such as scapholunate dissociation (SLD) and rupture of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). These injuries are of great clinical importance to be correctly diagnosed early as any negligence can lead to further complications. Finally, we describe extensor carpal ulnaris (ECU) tendonitis and subluxation. The upper extremity injuries of basketball athletes could lead to long-term absence from any competition. For this reason, comprehensive management and posttraumatic rehabilitation are necessary for a successful recovery.