The wrist of the formula 1 driver.

Abstract

Objectives-During formula 1 driving, repetitive cumulative trauma may provoke nerve disorders such as nerve compression syndrome as well as osteoligament injuries. A study based on interrogatory and clinical examination of 22 drivers was carried out during the 1998 formula 1 World Championship in order to better define the type and frequency of these lesions. Methods-The questions investigated nervous symptoms, such as paraesthesia and diminishment of sensitivity, and osteoligamentous symptoms, such as pain, specifying the localisation (ulnar side, dorsal aspect of the wrist, snuV box) and the eVect of the wrist position on the intensity of the pain. Clinical examination was carried out bilaterally and symmetrically. Results-Fourteen of the 22 drivers reported symptoms. One suVered cramp in his hands at the end of each race and one described a typical forearm eVort compartment syndrome. Six drivers had effort "osteoligamentous" symptoms: three scapholunate pain; one medial hyperpcomression of the wrist; two sequellae of a distal radius fracture. Seven reported nerve disorders: two eVort carpal tunnel syndromes; one typical carpal tunnel syndrome; one eVort cubital tunnel syndrome; three paraesthesia in all fingers at the end of a race, without any objective signs.Conclusions-This appears to be the first report of upper extremity disorders in competition drivers. The use of a wrist pad to reduce the eVects of vibration may help to prevent trauma to the wrist in formula 1 drivers. (Br J Sports Med 1999;33:270-273) Keywords: wrist; trauma; cumulative trauma; nerve compression; ligamentous distension; racing drivers In the literature, the incidence of wrist and hand injuries in the general sporting population is estimated to be about 25%.1 In weight lifting for instance, wrist lesion occurs in 12% of lifters.2 These injuries can be subdivided into four categories: overuse, nerve (and vascular), traumatic, and the weight lifting injuries.

Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders in stage rally drivers and co-drivers

“…Some 59% of drivers reported some type of hand and wrist symptom-that is, positive response in any part of section C of the questionnaire-which is comparable to the 64% prevalence of hand or wrist problems in F1 drivers. 1 This study does not indicate that vibration of a rally car steering wheel causes vibration white finger, as there were minimal reports of problems with distal phalanges of the digits, where the condition usually originates.…”

Changes in technical regulations and drivers’ safety in top-class motor sports

“…This means that the driver’s head is pulled sideways in corners with a force equivalent to 25 kg. Such lateral forces make breathing difficult, are associated with unusual disorders,13 require extraordinary concentration to maintain the focus throughout the race and also allow a much faster exit from the corners, thus allowing driver to reach higher speeds on the following straights.…”

Upper Extremity Neuromuscular Injuries in Athletes

“…Median nerve injury from compression within the carpal tunnel is the most common upper extremity neuropathy; however, carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive vibration has been reported in formula 1 drivers. 59 Compressive neuropathy of the ulnar nerve may occur with prolonged wrist hyperextension in wheelchair athletes and cyclists due to their grip and handlebar positions, in athletic conditioning routines where repeated pushups are performed on a hard surface, or from hook of the hamate fractures that occur in racket, club, and batting sports such as tennis, golf, and baseball. Hypothenar hammer syndrome, the result of blunt repetitive or acute severe injury to the ulnar artery, may result in compression of the sensory branch of the ulnar nerve and has been reported in handball, racket or batting sports, martial arts, and break dancers.…”