Underdeveloped injury prevention in breakdancing may cause consecutive occurrence of a bilateral Stener lesion: A case report and literature review

Breakdancing involves significant physical load to the upper limbs; however, the prevalence, risk factors, and methods for preventing injuries in breakdancing remain poorly understood. A 20-year-old man presented with right thumb pain caused by hyperabduction stress to the thumb while performing hands-on-floor footwork of breakdance. The ulnar collateral ligament of the right thumb metacarpophalangeal joint was surgically repaired following Stener lesion diagnosis. The patient resumed breakdancing without undergoing an injury prevention program and revisited the clinic with contralateral thumb pain 1 year post-surgery. Eventually, he underwent left thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament repair following a similar diagnosis. A Stener lesion may be a common injury in breakdance, considering the unique footwork and alternate landing of both hands on the floor. Further research is needed to design an injury prevention program for the upper limbs, including the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, to ensure safety in breakdancing.