Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb (Gamekeeper’s or Skier’s Thumb)

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb (Gamekeeper’s or Skier’s Thumb)



Description


Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury of the thumb involves stretching and tearing of the UCL at the base of the thumb. This ligament is important in the function of the thumb, particularly when you grasp or pinch an object, such as when using a key. Sprains are classified into three grades: in a first-degree sprain, the ligament is not lengthened but is painful; with a second-degree sprain, the ligament is stretched and painful but still functions; with a third-degree sprain, the ligament is torn and does not function.



Common signs and symptoms



• Pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling, and redness at the base of the thumb, starting at the injured side, that may progress to involve the entire thumb and even the hand

• Impaired ability to grasp or hold things soon after injury


Causes


UCL injury of the thumb is caused by stress on the thumb that temporarily forces or pries the thumb out of its joint, the metacarpal–phalangeal joint. This occurs when the UCL, which normally holds the joint in place, is stretched or torn, and it most often happens when falling onto outstretched hands while holding on to a ski pole or when catchers try to catch a baseball in an awkward position.



Factors that increase risk



• Previous thumb injury or sprain

• Skiing with ski poles

• Contact sports, especially catching sports (baseball, basketball, football) or sports in which the thumb may be pulled away from the rest of the hand

• Poor muscle conditioning


Preventive measures



• Use proper technique when catching and when falling while skiing.
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Jul 18, 2016 | Posted by in SPORT MEDICINE | Comments Off on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb (Gamekeeper’s or Skier’s Thumb)

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