Dorsal Rim Impaction Syndrome

Dorsal impaction is a chronic pain syndrome caused by axial loading of the wrist in dorsiflexion on a repetitive basis. This is a common injury among young gymnasts.

What are the symptoms?

Pain is felt on the back of the wrist.
The pain worsens with dorsiflexion and wrist loading.

What are the causes & risk factors?

When the wrist bends backwards, usually beyond 35 degrees as seen in this gymnast, the cartilage and ligaments in the proximal row, or the very first part of the wrist in this area, are damaged.

More at-risk area:

• People with more flexible wrists.
• Younger people, women, and people with very slim builds are more likely to be targeted.
• Individuals who frequently apply heavy weight to an extended wrist are at a higher risk.
• Gymnasts, people doing pushups, like this woman with her wrist bent.
• Weight lifters who allow their wrists to bend backwards.
• People who practice yoga in a downward dog position with their wrists bent.
• People who work with their wrists after force and a bent back, such as carpenters, are prone to developing this if they do not maintain proper wrist positioning while working.