Injuries to the hand and wrist.

Because sports-related injuries to the hand and wrist are relatively frequent and lead to significant disability if misdiagnosed or improperly treated, it is important to identify the specific nature of such an injury to reach an accurate diagnosis and administer appropriate treatment. The author advocates an initial three-step process that may help the clinician to effectively diagnose and treat injuries: listen to the description of injury mechanisms; observe the site of injury; palpate the area for tenderness or instability.