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.
Practised by MCQ
10What is the primary mechanism of injury for skier's thumb?
mcqWhich clinical sign is indicative of a Stener lesion?
mcqWhat is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing a Stener lesion?
mcqDuring a valgus stress test, instability greater than 30° of radial deviation in the thumb at 30° of MCP flexi...
mcqWhat is the initial treatment for a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament?
mcqWhich of the following is true regarding the anatomy of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb?
mcqWhat is a characteristic feature of gamekeeper's thumb?
mcqWhat is the most important consideration when assessing a suspected complete UCL tear?
mcqIn a complete UCL tear, what happens to the torn ligament end in the presence of a Stener lesion?
mcqWhich of the following statements about the valgus stress test for UCL injuries is true?