Wrist injuries from basketball falls may require surgery
.JPG "Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball holds his right wrist after injuring himself in a fall March 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers. An MRI detected a fracture, and Ball had surgery March 23 in New York. Wrist injuries are common in basketball due to falls.")
Q. I am a 19-year-old junior college basketball player that fell on my right wrist last week. It was very painful at the time of injury and has improved about 50 percent this week. My team doctor took X-rays that showed no fracture. I was sent to a hand specialist who ordered an MRI. I was told I had a cartilage and ligament tear in my wrist and that I need season-ending surgery.
Since I am feeling better, can I try to finish this season or do I need to do the surgery now?
A: Wrist injuries in athletes can be very difficult to diagnosis accurately and treatment options vary greatly.
Since most basketball players have been falling on their wrists since adolescence, MRI scans may show abnormalities even in asymptomatic players. The actual physical exam performed by the hand specialist is most important in determining the extent of injury as the MRI may show old tears or cartilage damage that are not causing your current symptoms.
Without examining your wrist and reviewing the scan, I cannot say that it is safe to return to play without surgery. If you are unsure, I recommend you get a second opinion. If surgery is necessary, the doctor will attempt to restore your normal wrist anatomy. Usually these surgeries keep you out of play for up to six months.
Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net