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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of Thumb (Skier’s Thumb), Sports Medicine

Corey Carson, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Synonym(s): skier’s thumb; gamekeeper’s thumb

  • Sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the 1st metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint with or without a bony avulsion from the inserti...

DIAGNOSIS

Avulsion of bony fragment at the insertion of UCL on the phalanx may be associated with this condition. 

HISTORY

  • Stress to the thumb in extended and/or abducted position

  • Usually in skiing but o...

TREATMENT

  • Ice, elevation, and immobilization should be used immediately after the injury for protection and pain control.

  • Partial tears:

    • Nonsurgical treatment is generally successful for these injuries ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Surgery is the preferred treatment for chronic instability 6[A].

  • Conservative treatment is limited to bracing and strengthening exercises.

PROGNOSIS

  • Prognosis is excellent for partial UCL in...

REFERENCES

1
Baskies MA, Lee SK. Evaluation and treatment of injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis.  2009;67(1):68–74.
2
Johnson JW, ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Avery DMIII, Caggiano NM, Matullo KS. Ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb: a comprehensive review. Orthop Clin North Am.  2015;46(2):281–292.

  • Avery DMIII, Inkellis E...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Timing for return to play depends on severity and whether surgery is performed. Incomplete tears usually are treated with splinting for 4 to 8 wk, with range of motion exercises and st...

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