Factors related to first ray alterations in rock climbing

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of chronic alterations of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint in veteran climbers and their possible relation with risk factors related to rock climbing. Material and methods An observational study of 36 climbers with more than 10 years of experience. A clinical examination of joint functionality is performed and the assessment scale of the 1st metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joint of the hallux by The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society is used. Other factors such as years of experience, maximum climbing grade, type of climbing and type of climbing shoes are collected. Results For the first time, a quantitative assessment has been carried out to assess the function of the Hallux joints in veteran climbers. The 76.4% of the foot analyzed (n = 72) obtained scores below the normality limit. A significant relationship was found between the years of experience climbing (P = 0.024) with alterations in joint function in the hallux. In addition, significant relationship was found with the maximum climbing grade (P = 0.021). Conclusion This study confirms, using the AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP scale, a high prevalence of chronic alterations of the 1st MTP joint in veteran climbers, significantly related to years of practice and the difficulty level of climbing routes.