WRIST PAIN IN A GYMNAST WITH PRIMARY AMENORRHEA

    May 1999 in “ Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ”
    SS Hecht, J. P. DiFiori, A. Nattiv, SS Hecht, J. P. DiFiori, A. Nattiv
    TLDR The gymnast's wrist pain and delayed menstruation are linked to intense exercise, requiring reduced activity and monitoring.
    An 18-year-old elite female gymnast with primary amenorrhea and wrist pain was evaluated, revealing delayed menarche likely due to exercise-associated amenorrhea (EAA) and constitutional delay. X-rays showed open growth plates, non-union of the left ulnar styloid, and positive ulnar variance, suggesting a distal radius physeal stress reaction and ulnar impaction syndrome. Despite no initial complaints, she admitted to worsening wrist pain over the years, particularly during gymnastics activities. Treatment included reducing upper extremity weight-bearing, using a wrist brace, and considering surgical options if conservative measures failed. Monitoring of menstrual cycles and dietary intake was also recommended.
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