The condition Skier’s Thumb, also called Gamekeepers Thumb, results from acute injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in your thumb. This frequently happens to skiers who fall on their outstretched hand or during skiing accidents when the skier falls without releasing the ski pole. Their thumb gets violently pulled away from the index finger and can stretch or tear the UCL. These ligaments are strong, flexible, fibrous connective tissues that connect bone to bone. The UCL is the main ligament located on the inner base of your thumb, and it stabilizes the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint.
This type of injury can cause the UCL to be strained or torn (wholly or partially). This produces a weakened or inability to grasp or pinch the motion of the thumb.
Skier’s Thumb Treatment- Repetitive use injuries can cause this condition to gradually wear away the UCL over time. Rheumatoid arthritis and nicotine use can also weaken these ligaments, making them more prone to this type of injury.
This common skier’s injury is often referred to as a ‘gamekeeper’s thumb’ or Skier’s Thumb Treatment. Patients with this condition speak about losing strength when pinching or gripping their thumb. It is also very uncomfortable. Relieve pain and improve your hand mobility by contacting Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr., MD, for treatment help today.
We know how important pain-free hand and finger motion and function is to our patients and the ability to do daily activities, including work, self-care, sports, we are here to help you. Our orthopedic practice specializes in hand surgery, and we offer state-of-the-art nonsurgical and surgical care to treat a full range of hand and finger injuries and conditions.
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Skier’s Thumb Treatment or Gamekeeper’s thumb is when there is a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, when your thumb is pulled back or to the side, away from your fingers. This most often happens when skiers fall on their outstretched hand while holding a ski pole
Skier’s thumb occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament at the base of your thumb gets stretched or torn. This ligament keeps your thumb stable when you pinch or grasp objects. Your range of motion may be limited.
If you have overstretched or injured your thumb you may be experiencing these symptoms:
If the ligament in your thumb is partially torn, a splint or cast is usually worn for six weeks. After the splint or cast is removed, exercise therapy can help get your thumb to correctly move again. It will take several weeks for movement and strength in your thumb to return.
Depending on the severity of your injury, recommended treatments are:
Your thumb will be swollen, bruised and very painful after this injury.
Treating this can will involve of a few weeks of having a splint on your thumb or in some cases, repair of the ligament with an surgery.
The most important part of deciding which treatment method will be used is to identify whether the ligament in your thumb is partly or completely torn. If it is torn, whether the ligament has been put into a position where healing may not be possible. (Sometimes called a Stener Lesion).
Dr. Pournaras will make this decision after a gentle examination to assess the degree of your injury. Sometimes he will inject a local anesthetic around your thumb and examine the joint. An x-ray will help to determine if there is a fracture of the bone which the ligament is attached to.This may indicate a complete tear. An ultrasound can also help with this determination of surgery.
Many times this surgery requires, Dr. Pournaras to repair any bone fractures with wires or screws or pin the bone back into place. He will then place your thumb in a cast or splint to protect the repairs.
After surgery, your hand and forearm will be in a cast or splint for 6 to 8 weeks.
For over 30 years, Virginia Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. has provided excellent healthcare and treatment for his patients. As a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, offering the best for you medically to treat, heal and lead you to optimum recovery. We are dedicated to using state-of-the-art technology while building nurturing relationships with each of our patients.
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