title: Thumb ulnar collateral and radial collateral ligament injuries.
abstract: Thumb metacarpophalangeal ulnar and radial collateral ligament injuries occur frequently in the competitive athlete. Collateral ligament integrity is essential to joint stability, pinch strength, and pain-free motion. Acute rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament is due to a sudden radial deviation force on the abducted thumb and is referred to as skier's thumb. An ulnar-directed force causes injury to the radial collateral ligament. The degree of joint instability on clinical examination allows classification of these injuries and guides management. Surgical repair of acute, complete tears results in good outcomes and allows for return to sporting activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 2550 23rd Street, Building 9, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8233, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: goldfarbc@wudosis.wustl.edu.
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013933:Thumb / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Athlete; Gamekeeper’s thumb; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Radial collateral ligament; Skier’s thumb; Surgical technique; Thumb; Ulnar collateral ligament