Clinics in sports medicine
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One of the greatest challenges when examining an injured athlete is ensuring that the examination encompasses the whole patient and not just the obvious deformity. Bony injuries of the wrist, forearm, and elbow are uncommon in athletes and when present should always lead to suspicion of possible concomitant soft tissue injury. ⋯ Appropriate expectations with regard to both treatment and the possible return to sports are critical in providing successful treatment for these often complex injuries. There is no substitute for a careful clinical history and physical examination in not only establishing the diagnosis but ensuring that a complete diagnosis with its subsequent prognostic outcome can be rendered.