Purpose: The incidence of lumbrical muscle tear is increasing due to the popularity of climbing
sports. However, there is a paucity of studies regarding these injuries in the literature.
Material and Methods: We reviewed data from 60 consecutive patients with positive lumbrical stress tests
including clinical examination (n = 60/60), ultrasound (n = 60/60), magnetic resonance imaging (n = 12/60), and outcomes (n = 60/60). Lumbrical muscle tears were graded according to the severity of clinical
and imaging findings as grade I to III injuries. Conservative therapy consisted of
adapted functional therapy.
Results: Overall, 30% of patients had grade I injuries (microtrauma), 53% had grade II injuries
(muscle fiber disruption), and 16% had grade III injuries (musculotendinous disruption).
All patients had an uncomplicated outcome with a complete recovery. The healing period
of grade III injuries was significantly longer than in the two other groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: We recommend the evaluation of specific clinical and imaging findings of lumbrical
muscle tears for adequate grading and determination of therapy.
