Post-Traumatic Clinodactyly of the Little Finger in Basque Hand-Pelota Players.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to measure the DIP joint angle of the little finger and presence of degenerative changes in the DIP joint in Basque hand-pelota players and compare it with the general Spanish population.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. We studied both hands of 40 male Basque pelota players (pelotaris) and 20 male controls. The assessment protocol consisted of a questionnaire, physical examination and bilateral plain radiographs. Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint angle was measured on plain radiographs in both hands.

RESULTS

The average DIP joint angle of the little finger in the control group was 2.6° in the dominant hand and 2.9° in the other hand. In the pelota players group we obtained a DIP angle of 6.8° in the dominant hand and 10.9° in the non-dominant hand. The DIP angle was significantly higher in the non-dominant hand (P=.002) in the pelota player group. Non-significant differences were obtained between both hands in the control group (p=.572). Significant differences were obtained in both player and control groups in the dominant hand (P=.001) and in the non-dominant hand (P=.001). Pelota players have a higher DIP angle in the little fingers than the control group. No differences were found in the pelota player group according to their position on the court (P=.742 forward, P=.747 defender) or sport level (P=.345 amateur, P=.346 professional).

DISCUSSION: Basque hand-pelota produces post-traumatic acquired clinodactyly of the little finger. The non-dominant hand has a higher DIP joint angle. Clinodactyly poses no functional problems.