[The "wheel gymnast's elbow" - first description of a common overuse syndrome].

Abstract

Background: Overuse syndromes of the elbow due to wheel gymnastics are unknown in medical literature. This study describes a common overuse syndrome of the elbow in wheel gymnastics.

Methods: We conducted internet research and interviewed 260 wheel gymnasts, who trained the "hip roll" element.

Results: 60.4 % of the gymnasts reported changes of the elbow region. The intensity of pain during training was 1.51 out of 10 points. Lacerations were reported in 33.1 %, hematomas were reported in 68.7 %, and a loss of hair at the elbow region was reported in 11.7 %. 11.5 % of the gymnasts described a bump and 5.8 % described a depression of the proximal ulnar region that was not found before wheel gymnastics. Gymnasts using protective gear reported significantly higher levels of pain compared to gymnasts without protective gear.

Discussion: The "wheel gymnast's elbow" is a common overuse syndrome of the proximal ulnar due to direct contact and friction of the proximal ulnar to the giant wheel bars. The "wheel gymnast's elbow" describes a combination of lacerations, hematoma, hair loss, bumps, and depression of the proximal ulnar region with only slight pain.

Conclusion: An early preventive use of protective gear during "hip roll" training can possibly reduce the "wheel gymnast's elbow" syndrome.