Complete Title of Abstract: Cricket Related Hand Injuries

Full Names of All Authors: Kelli Hickle MD, Aparajit Naram MD, Douglas Rothkopf MD

Name of Presenter: Kelli Hickle MD

Contact Person Name: Kelli Hickle MD

Contact Person Email Address and Phone Number: , (480)235-1383

Abstract

Purpose

Cricket is a sport played infrequently in the United States, but very popular in current and former British Commonwealth countries.1 As the number of immigrants from countries where cricket is often played increases, it is likely that physicians who care for sports related injuries will begin treating injuries sustained while playing cricket. The purpose of our study is to review hand and upper extremity injuries sustained during the game of cricket and to educate American hand surgeons about the game and its safety standards.

Methods

Cases of cricket related injuries to the hand and upper extremity in our academic practice were evaluated. A literature review was conducted.

Results

Since July 2015, three cricket related hand injuries were identified within our practice. All injuries occurred in amateur male players and included: one bony mallet injury of the middle finger, one fracture dislocation of the thumb at the interphalangeal joint, and one intra-articular fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb. All three patients went on to have an uneventful treatment course with good functional outcomes.

Conclusions

Acute and chronic injuries related to playing the game of cricket are not uncommon.2 Acute injuries of the upper extremity most commonly occur in fielders and are contact injuries resulting from collision between a player and an inanimate object, such as the ball or ground.2-5 Chronic injuries from repetitive action are more commonly seen in bowlers and more specifically, players who specialize in fast-bowling.6 Official cricket rules state that the only fielder allowed to wear gloves is the wicket-keeper.7 This represents an area of potential intervention that may prevent future cricket related hand and upper extremity injuries.

Bibliography

1. Das NS, Usman J, Choudhury D, et al. Nature and pattern of cricket injuries: the Asian Cricket Council Under-19, Elite Cup, 2013. PLoS One. 2014;9(6): e100028. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100028.

2. Ahearn N, Bhatia R, Griffin S. Hand and wrist injuries in professional county cricket. Hand Surg. 2015;20(1):89-92.

3. Dhillon MS, Garg B, Soni RK et al. Nature and incidence of upper limb injuries in professional cricket players a prospective observation. Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2012;4(1):42. doi: 10.1186/1758-2555-4-42.

4. Walker HL, Carr DJ, Chalmers DJ, et al. Injury to recreational and professional cricket players: circumstances, type and potential for intervention. Accid Anal Prev. 2010; 42(6): p.2094-8. doi: 10.1016/j.aap.2010.06.022.

5. Belliappa PP, Barton NJ. Hand injuries in cricketers. J Hand Surg Br, 1991;16(2):212-4.

6. Finch CF, Elliott BC, McGrath AC. Measures to prevent cricket injuries: an overview. Sports Med. 1999;28(4):263-72.

7. Law 40 (The wicket-keeper). Lordsorg. 2016. Accessed September 26, 2016.