Hand injuries in volleyball.

We studied the long-term sequelae of hand injuries as a result of playing volleyball. In a retrospective study, 226 patients with injuries of the hand who were seen over a 5-year period at our Trauma Department, were investigated. Females accounted for 66% of all injuries. The mean age was 26 years, with a peak in the age group of 15 to 29 years. Sprains and strains were observed most frequently (39%), followed by fractures (25%) and contusions (16%). The fingers were involved in 44% of the cases. Most injuries of the hand occurred in recreational players. Recreational players had more left-sided injuries, whereas competition players had more right-sided injuries (P less than 0.005), suggesting that lack of skill is an important determinant. Left-handedness was associated with an increased risk of hand injury in recreational players. One third of the volleyball players did not go to work or school for a median of 4 weeks as a result of the injury. In a survey after a mean period of 5 years, a high percentage of patients had complaints: 28% cited stiff and crooked fingers with limitations and tenderness in the movements as main inconveniences. We consider this incidence disturbingly high, regarding the seemingly innocent nature of these injuries.