Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Game_keepers.png|thumb| | | name = Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb | ||
| image = [[File:Game_keepers.png|left|thumb|Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb]] | |||
| caption = X-ray of a thumb with an ulnar collateral ligament injury | |||
| synonyms = Skier's thumb, Gamekeeper's thumb | |||
| specialty = [[Orthopedic surgery]] | |||
| symptoms = Pain, swelling, instability of the [[thumb]] | |||
| complications = [[Chronic pain]], [[arthritis]] | |||
| onset = Acute or chronic | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = [[Trauma]], repetitive stress | |||
| risks = [[Skiing]], [[hunting]], [[sports]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Thumb fracture]], [[arthritis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Splinting]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in athletes | |||
}} | |||
An '''ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb''', also known as "gamekeeper's thumb" or "skier's thumb," is a common injury to the [[thumb]] that involves the tearing or stretching of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpophalangeal joint. This ligament is crucial for the stability of the thumb, particularly in pinching and gripping activities. | An '''ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb''', also known as "gamekeeper's thumb" or "skier's thumb," is a common injury to the [[thumb]] that involves the tearing or stretching of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpophalangeal joint. This ligament is crucial for the stability of the thumb, particularly in pinching and gripping activities. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
The term "gamekeeper's thumb" was first coined in 1955 by Campbell, who observed this injury in Scottish gamekeepers. The injury was caused by the repetitive stress of breaking the necks of small animals, which led to chronic injury of the UCL. In modern times, the injury is more commonly associated with acute trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole, hence the term "skier's thumb." | The term "gamekeeper's thumb" was first coined in 1955 by Campbell, who observed this injury in Scottish gamekeepers. The injury was caused by the repetitive stress of breaking the necks of small animals, which led to chronic injury of the UCL. In modern times, the injury is more commonly associated with acute trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole, hence the term "skier's thumb." | ||
== Anatomy == | == Anatomy == | ||
The ulnar collateral ligament is located on the ulnar side of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint. It provides stability to the joint by preventing excessive lateral movement. The ligament can be injured by a forceful abduction of the thumb, which can occur during falls or direct impacts. | The ulnar collateral ligament is located on the ulnar side of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint. It provides stability to the joint by preventing excessive lateral movement. The ligament can be injured by a forceful abduction of the thumb, which can occur during falls or direct impacts. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament injury include: | Symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament injury include: | ||
| Line 17: | Line 29: | ||
* Weakness in pinching or gripping | * Weakness in pinching or gripping | ||
* Instability of the thumb joint | * Instability of the thumb joint | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. The "valgus stress test" is commonly used to assess the stability of the UCL. [[X-ray]]s may be taken to rule out fractures, and [[MRI]] can be used to evaluate the extent of ligament damage. | Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. The "valgus stress test" is commonly used to assess the stability of the UCL. [[X-ray]]s may be taken to rule out fractures, and [[MRI]] can be used to evaluate the extent of ligament damage. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury: | Treatment depends on the severity of the injury: | ||
* '''Non-surgical treatment''': Mild injuries may be treated with immobilization using a thumb splint or cast for 4-6 weeks, followed by physical therapy. | * '''Non-surgical treatment''': Mild injuries may be treated with immobilization using a thumb splint or cast for 4-6 weeks, followed by physical therapy. | ||
* '''Surgical treatment''': Complete tears or injuries with significant instability often require surgical repair to restore thumb function. Surgery involves reattaching the ligament to the bone or reconstructing it using a tendon graft. | * '''Surgical treatment''': Complete tears or injuries with significant instability often require surgical repair to restore thumb function. Surgery involves reattaching the ligament to the bone or reconstructing it using a tendon graft. | ||
[[File:Surgical_Repair_of_Gamekeeper's_Thumb_Injury.jpg|left|thumb|Surgical repair of a gamekeeper's thumb injury]] | |||
[[File:Surgical_Repair_of_Gamekeeper's_Thumb_Injury.jpg|thumb | |||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
With appropriate treatment, most individuals recover full function of the thumb. However, delayed treatment or improper healing can lead to chronic instability and arthritis. | With appropriate treatment, most individuals recover full function of the thumb. However, delayed treatment or improper healing can lead to chronic instability and arthritis. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Ligament]] | * [[Ligament]] | ||
* [[Skiing injuries]] | * [[Skiing injuries]] | ||
* [[Hand injury]] | * [[Hand injury]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | [[Category:Orthopedic injuries]] | ||
[[Category:Sports injuries]] | [[Category:Sports injuries]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:31, 9 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Skier's thumb, Gamekeeper's thumb |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Orthopedic surgery |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, instability of the thumb |
| Complications | Chronic pain, arthritis |
| Onset | Acute or chronic |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, repetitive stress |
| Risks | Skiing, hunting, sports |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Thumb fracture, arthritis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Splinting, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Common in athletes |
| Deaths | N/A |
An ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb, also known as "gamekeeper's thumb" or "skier's thumb," is a common injury to the thumb that involves the tearing or stretching of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the metacarpophalangeal joint. This ligament is crucial for the stability of the thumb, particularly in pinching and gripping activities.
History[edit]
The term "gamekeeper's thumb" was first coined in 1955 by Campbell, who observed this injury in Scottish gamekeepers. The injury was caused by the repetitive stress of breaking the necks of small animals, which led to chronic injury of the UCL. In modern times, the injury is more commonly associated with acute trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand while holding a ski pole, hence the term "skier's thumb."
Anatomy[edit]
The ulnar collateral ligament is located on the ulnar side of the thumb's metacarpophalangeal joint. It provides stability to the joint by preventing excessive lateral movement. The ligament can be injured by a forceful abduction of the thumb, which can occur during falls or direct impacts.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of an ulnar collateral ligament injury include:
- Pain and tenderness on the ulnar side of the thumb
- Swelling and bruising around the joint
- Weakness in pinching or gripping
- Instability of the thumb joint
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. The "valgus stress test" is commonly used to assess the stability of the UCL. X-rays may be taken to rule out fractures, and MRI can be used to evaluate the extent of ligament damage.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury:
- Non-surgical treatment: Mild injuries may be treated with immobilization using a thumb splint or cast for 4-6 weeks, followed by physical therapy.
- Surgical treatment: Complete tears or injuries with significant instability often require surgical repair to restore thumb function. Surgery involves reattaching the ligament to the bone or reconstructing it using a tendon graft.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate treatment, most individuals recover full function of the thumb. However, delayed treatment or improper healing can lead to chronic instability and arthritis.
