Orthonotes
Orthonotes
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v3.0 Fusion
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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury — Skier’s Thumb

Injury to ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of thumb MCP joint. Mechanism: valgus stress from fall on abducted thumb (ski pole). Clinical: pain, swelling, instability at MCP; Stener lesion if adductor aponeurosis interposes. Diagnosis: valgus stress test (>30° opening suggests complete tear); MRI confirms. Treatment: partial tear—immobilization; complete tear/Stener lesion—surgical repair.

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Injury to ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of thumb MCP joint. Mechanism: valgus stress from fall on abducted thumb (ski pole). Clinical: pain, swelling, instability at MCP; Stener lesion if adductor aponeurosis interposes. Diagnosis: valgus stress test (>30° opening suggests complete tear); MRI confirms. Treatment: partial tear—immobilization; complete tear/Stener lesion—surgical repair.
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Question 1

What is the primary mechanism of injury for skier's thumb?

Question 2

Which clinical sign is indicative of a Stener lesion?

Question 3

What is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing a Stener lesion?

Question 4

During a valgus stress test, instability greater than 30° of radial deviation in the thumb at 30° of MCP flexion suggests:

Question 5

What is the initial treatment for a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament?

Question 6

Which of the following is true regarding the anatomy of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb?

Question 7

What is a characteristic feature of gamekeeper's thumb?

Question 8

What is the most important consideration when assessing a suspected complete UCL tear?

Question 9

In a complete UCL tear, what happens to the torn ligament end in the presence of a Stener lesion?

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the valgus stress test for UCL injuries is true?