Hand injuries in rock climbing: reaching the right treatment.

Rock climbers' grip techniques may result in a variety of hand injuries. Minor injuries such as soft-tissue damage, flexor tendon strain, tendinitis or tenosynovitis, joint contractures, and carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated by a primary care physician. Patients who have pulley ruptures should be referred if there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis. Because of controversies regarding surgical management, primary care physicians should refer patients who have a complete ligament tear. Referral is also recommended for such serious injuries as locked digits, flexor tendon avulsions or ruptures, and severe joint contractures.