Ligament injuries of the hand and wrist.

The human hand is one of the most amazing instruments we possess. Ligament injuries to the hand and wrist are common occupational injuries. These injuries can be diagnosed using thorough history and physical examination skills in conjunction with diagnostic imaging. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these injuries are crucial, because many injuries heal with minimal decrease in function if they are treated early without allowing them to become chronic. When these injuries are discovered late, not only does treatment become more difficult but also traumatic arthritis frequently develops. A brief anatomic description follows each of the most common ligament sprains and strains of the hand and wrist and their evaluation and treatment.