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Gamekeepers thumb. An avulsion fracture at the ulnar base of the first proximal phalange, linked to the ulnar collateral ligament of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Anatomy of gamekeepers thumb.
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Gamekeepers thumb An avulsion fracture at the ulnar base of the first proximal phalange, linked to the ulnar collateral ligament of the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Anatomy of gamekeepers thumb • Gamekeepers thumb is an insufficiency of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metatarsophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb
Mechanism of Injury • Skiing accidents are the most common causes of injuring this ligament. Injuries of this ligament make up 8-10% of all skiing accidents. • A fall on an outstretched hand with a ski pole in the palm of your hand creates the force to stress the thumb and stretch or tear the ligament • Usually, the injury is not created by a regular fall • May be caused in automobile accidents when the thumb is draped over the steering wheel
Treatment • Within the first few weeks of injury, surgery is usually most effective • If the ligament is torn from the bone, then the torn end will be sutured down itself. • If the injury is older then a direct repair is not possible. One of the muscles at the base of the thumb will have to be advanced to compensate for the torn ligament. • If you have no treatment, you most likely will develop arthritis
Recovery • Flexion • Extension • Side to side • Thumb strengthening: • Finger spring: Place a large rubber band around the outside of your thumb and the rest of your fingers. Open your fingers to stretch the rubber band. Do 3 sets of 10 • Grip strengthening • Wrist flexion • Wrist extension • RECOVERY TIME • 3-4 months