$Unique_ID{BRK01084}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{"Skier's Thumb" Diagnosis}
$Subject{ski skiing skier's thumb thumbs Musculoskeletal Connective Tissue
tissues accident Accidents ulnar collateral ligament UCL ligaments injury
injuries cast casts splint splints}
$Volume{O-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


"Skier's Thumb" Diagnosis


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QUESTION:  During the last of my frequent falls while skiing, I injured my
left thumb quite severely.  I am now in a cast, and have been told I will need
extensive therapy to get my thumb back in good working order.  The diagnosis
was "skier's thumb".  Good joke, but can you tell what really happened to me?

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ANSWER:  It is no joke, as I am sure you will agree, and "skier's thumb" is
one of the most common hand injuries among athletes.  It has another name, of
course, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury, and occurs when the thumb is
forcefully pushed or pulled away from the hand, as may happen in a fall, or by
knocking the thumb against an object.  The UCL is stretched, or even torn by
the blow, and the thumb becomes unstable.  The injury is graded 1, 2 or 3
depending upon the presence and severity of ligament tear.  If there is merely
stretching, (grade 1) a cast for from 2 to 3 weeks followed by a splint and
rehabilitative exercise usually suffices as treatment.  In grade 2, with a
partial tear of the ligament, the cast is required for a longer period of
time.  When a complete tear occurs (grade 3) it is possible that surgery may
be needed to repair the damage.  A historical note, the injury was also known
as gamekeepers thumb, as English gamekeepers frequently stressed their thumbs
in a similar fashion when fracturing the necks of rabbits.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.