Differential Diagnosis for Wrist Pain after Shooting a Puck in Hockey
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Wrist Sprain: The most likely cause of wrist pain after shooting a puck in hockey is a wrist sprain, which occurs when the ligaments surrounding the wrist joint are stretched or torn. This is a common injury in sports that involve throwing, catching, or hitting, such as hockey.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury: The TFCC is a ligamentous structure in the wrist that can be injured during activities that involve twisting or bending of the wrist, such as shooting a puck in hockey.
- Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) Tendinitis: The ECU tendon is located on the ulnar side of the wrist and can become inflamed or irritated due to repetitive strain, such as from shooting a puck in hockey.
- Hook of Hamate Fracture: A fracture of the hook of hamate bone in the wrist can occur due to a direct blow to the wrist or from repetitive strain, such as from shooting a puck in hockey.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Scaphoid Fracture: A scaphoid fracture is a serious injury that can have long-term consequences if not properly diagnosed and treated. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in any patient with wrist pain, especially after a traumatic event.
- Ganglion Cyst: A ganglion cyst is a benign tumor that can cause wrist pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the pain is persistent or worsening.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kienbock's Disease: Kienbock's disease is a rare condition that involves the collapse of the lunate bone in the wrist, which can cause chronic wrist pain.
- Pisotriquetral Joint Disorder: The pisotriquetral joint is a small joint in the wrist that can become inflamed or irritated, causing wrist pain. This is a rare condition that should be considered if other diagnoses have been ruled out.