Treatment for Thumb Ulnar
Ulna
The ulna is a long bone found in the forearm that stretches from the elbow to the smallest finger, and when in anatomical position, is found on the medial side of the forearm. It runs parallel to the radius, the other long bone in the forearm, and is the larger and longer of the two.
How do you treat a torn ligament in the thumb?
The goal of treatment is to help the ligaments heal so that the thumb can be restored to full function. If the thumb ligaments are only partially torn, they usually heal without surgery. Your thumb will be immobilized for four to six weeks in a special cast, called a thumb spica cast.
What can I do about a stiff thumb joint?
Sometimes the MCP and other thumb joints become stiff. Physical or occupational therapy treatments are helpful for easing the stiffness and helping you regain thumb movement. What should I expect following treatment?
What should I expect following treatment for thumb fracture treatment?
Physical or occupational therapy treatments are helpful for easing the stiffness and helping you regain thumb movement. What should I expect following treatment? Patients who are treated nonsurgically with a thumb spica cast start an exercise program when the cast is removed, usually after four to six weeks.
What is a thumb sprain and how is it treated?
A thumb sprain happens when you injure the tissues in your thumb that connect the bones in a joint. These tissues, known as ligaments, keep your bones in place when the joint moves.
What do they do for ligament damage in thumb?
Surgical Treatment Surgery involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone and/or repairing the avulsion fracture using a pin, screw, or special bone anchor. After surgery, you may have to wear a short arm cast or a splint for 6 to 12 weeks to protect the thumb ligament while it heals.
How long does it take for a torn ligament in the thumb to heal?
If the thumb ligaments are only partially torn, they usually heal without surgery. Your thumb will be immobilized for four to six weeks in a special cast, called a thumb spica cast. Patients who are treated nonsurgically with a thumb spica cast can start our Physical Therapy program when the cast is removed.
Can you fix your thumb ligament?
Surgical treatments. You may need surgery if your UCL is torn or if a splint or cast doesn't help. This surgery can repair or reattach the ligament and any tissue or bones that may have been fractured or torn out of the joint when you injured your thumb. This surgery doesn't take long.
How do I know if I tore a ligament in my thumb?
Symptomsyour finger joint looks crooked or misshapen.your finger bone appears dislodged, such as sticking out to one side.you have swelling and bruising around the joint.you have pain around the joint.you are unable to move your finger.
Can a ligament tear heal on its own?
Ligaments are durable and flexible, despite the size and lack of blood supply. However, an unnatural twist or hyperextension can tear the tissue. Minor tears can heal without surgery, needing continuous support and care. However, full-thickness tears need surgical help.
Is thumb ligament surgery painful?
You will likely have one 2-3 cm surgical incision on the inside of your thumb near your webspace. Ligament repairs can be painful. You will receive a prescription for narcotic pain medicine. For the first 2-3 days, take the pain medication around the clock to stay on top of the pain control.
How do I strengthen my thumb ligaments?
Thumb IP flexionPlace your forearm and hand on a table. Your problem thumb should point up.With your other hand, hold your thumb steady just below the joint nearest your thumbnail.Bend the tip of your thumb down. Then straighten it.Repeat 8 to 12 times.Do this exercise several times a day.
How do you check for a torn UCL in your thumb?
Often thumb UCL injuries can be detected on physical exam, and special x-rays called stress views can also help to confirm the diagnosis. These will also show if arthritis is present. Occasionally and MRI is ordered to visualize if the torn ligament.
Should I wrap a sprained thumb?
Taping the thumb can provide protection from further injury especially if the athlete wants to continue to participate in sports during the healing process. Once the swelling begins to subside, the athlete can begin range of motion and strengthening exercises for the thumb and hand.
How do I know if my thumb is fractured or sprained?
Is my thumb broken or sprained? Both a broken (fractured) thumb and a sprained thumb can cause pain, swelling and bruising, but there are some differences to look for. A broken thumb usually causes more intense pain, and your thumb may look deformed or misshapen. A broken thumb can also cause numbness or tingling.
How to repair a torn ligament in the hand?
When hand surgery to repair the torn ligament is necessary, it’s often done arthroscopically . Arthroscopic surgery for a scapholunate repair uses very small incisions and causes less trauma to the tissue than conventional surgery.
What are the symptoms of a hand ligament injury?
While hand ligament injuries are often obvious due to the local pain and swelling that accompanies them, the severity of such injuries is easy to misjudge. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury, but commonly include pain on the thumb side of the wrist, swelling and/or bruising, loss of grip strength, ...
What causes a scapholunate ligament tear?
Scapholunate ligament tears are usually the result of an accident. A fall or sudden stress on the wrist – such as weight-bearing activities – can cause a ligament tear and separate the small bones of the inner wrist. This type of injury is common among athletes and is sometimes accompanied by a fracture.
What is the function of the scapholunate ligament?
The scapholunate ligament is responsible for ensuring that the two bones – scaphoid and lunate – move in unison. This ensures smooth rotation of the wrist. When this hand ligament is torn, the scaphoid and lunate move in different directions, which results in pain and loss of strength when gripping.
What is ligaments in a sprained joint?
Ligaments are tough pieces of connective tissue that join one bone to another. Ligaments are attached on either side of a joint, strengthening and stabilizing it by limiting excess motion of the bones. Injuries to ligaments are very common; in fact, what we call a sprain is actually an injury to the ligaments of the “sprained” joint. ...
What is a sprain in the hand?
Injuries to ligaments are very common; in fact, what we call a sprain is actually an injury to the ligaments of the “sprained” joint. The hand is particularly susceptible to ligament injuries simply because it gets so much use and thus is exposed to many possibilities for injury.
What is the bone that is pulled off the thumb?
In addition, sometimes X-rays show a small piece of bone pulled off the thumb metacarpal by the UCL ligament. This bone, called a Stener lesion, is a sign that surgery may be necessary as the bone can prevent the UCL from healing in its proper position without a surgical repair. 1 .
How long does it take for a thumb splint to heal?
If the tear is partial, and the thumb is not too loose, the patient is usually placed in a cast or a modified wrist splint (called a thumb spica) for 4 to 6 weeks. By immobilizing the damaged ligament, healing can take place while the thumb will be protected from further injury.
Why is it difficult to pinch your thumb?
For these reasons, people with more significant injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament may choose to have a surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the damage to ligaments .
What is a gamekeeper's thumb?
Treatment. A gamekeeper's thumb, also called a skier's thumb, is an injury to one of the important ligaments at the base of the thumb joint. The injury involves the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. The UCL is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that connects the bones at the base of the thumb.
Why does my thumb get caught on a ski pole?
Because of the shape of the ski pole, the thumb tends to get caught and significant stresses are placed on the ulnar collateral ligament. If the thumb is bent far enough, the ulnar collateral ligament will tear. 2 . While there are many ways to injure the ulnar collateral ligament, a skier's thumb is the term used for an acute injury to ...
What is the other injury called?
The other injury is called a gamekeeper's thumb; this refers to a more chronic pattern of injury that leads to loosening of the ulnar ligament over time. The name comes from the European gamekeepers who would kill their game by grasping the head of the animal between their thumb and index finger to break its neck.
How long after a finger surgery can you play?
At that point, gentle motion of the finger will begin. Most patients are able to play sports 3 to 4 months after surgery. Risks of surgery include infection, healing problems, and nerve injury. In addition, even with the surgical procedure, the damage to ligament will need time for healing. 2 .
What is the mechanism of injury of the thumb?
Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process. The Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb are stabilize by two major ligaments. The ulnar collateral ligament (U CL) and the Radial collateral ligament (RCL) . The UCL is more commonly injured, usually from forced radial deviation (abduction) of the thumb, while the RCL are rarely injuried.
What ligaments stabilize the MCP joint of the thumb?
Thumb ligament injuries are common, particularly those involving the metacarpophalangeal joint.Two major ligaments stabilize the MCP joint of the thumb: the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL)
What is the MCP of thumb?
The thumb MCP is similar in anatomical appearance to those of the finger,but essentially functions as a hinge or ginglymus joints. The articular morphology found in this joint makes it the most varied motion of all joints, with range of motion of 6 to 86 degree in flexion-extension.
Can a skier injure a thumb ligament?
Skiers and those who play ball-handling sports, such as baseball, football and basketball, have a greater risk of sustaining such an injury. Skiers can injure the thumb ligament in accidents involving the ski poles or from a fall.
Is the UCL or RCL more commonly injured?
The UCL is more commonly injured, usually from forced radial deviation (abduction) of the thumb, while the RCL are rarely injuried. However, in severe type of injuries, both ligaments may be ruptured.
What is a Thumb Ligament injury?
Ligaments are tissues that hold bone to bone and keep joints from dislocating.When they are torn during a trauma, pain and instability can result.The most common thumb ligament injury is that of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament.This is also known as Skier’s Thumb or, when chronic, called Gamekeeper’s Thumb.
Diagnosis of Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury
Your doctor can usually make the diagnosis of thumb ligament injury by examining the thumb. X-rays of the joint may be ordered and often an MRI is necessary.
Treatment for Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury
Non-surgical treatment methods for some acute injuries include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and the use of splints. Surgery is often considered for more severe injuries and complete tears. There are new modern techniques popularized including ‘internal brace’ devices.
What is the best treatment for a ligament in the finger?
Physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of an injured ligament within a finger. Initially, your physiotherapist will assess which tissues have been damaged and the extent of this damage. Referral for an X-ray may be required to determine whether any of the bones are damaged.
What is ligament injury in the finger?
What is a ligament injury in the fingers? A ligament injury in a finger is when one or more of the ligaments supporting a finger joint is overstretched and damaged. Physiotherapy is important following a ligament injury in the finger.
How do you know if your finger is hurting?
It is often made more painful if the joint is moved or if the finger is touched where the ligament is injured. Shortly after the injury the finger will become swollen and then bruised. Other symptoms may include: reduced range of movement. stiffness.
How to treat a swollen thigh?
Treatment may involve wearing a splint, electrotherapy to decrease pain, swelling and promote healing. Your physiotherapist will also provide you with a graduated programme of stretching and strengthening exercises to improve joint movement and strength.
How long does it take for a ligament injury to heal?
Most ligament injuries within a finger heal without complication in a matter of weeks. However, a proportion of injuries can result in longer-term effects, depending on the severity of the injury and extent of damage.
Can a finger joint be chipped off?
When a ligament supporting a finger joint is injured, a piece of the bone it attaches can sometimes be chipped-off. This may prolong your recovery. Recovery may also be prolonged if the ligament is completely torn as surgery may be required to repair the ligament.
How to diagnose ligament tear?
The diagnosis of a ligament tear begins with a physical examination and medical history. Your healthcare provider will ask what you were doing when you experienced the injury and examine the site. Palpating the site and moving the joint can give them information on the extent of the injury.
Why do ligaments tear?
A ligament tear usually occurs due to extreme force to a joint such as with a fall or another high-impact event. Common ligament tears are to the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, neck, or back ligaments.
What causes a torn ulnar collateral ligament?
Other common sites of ligament tears and the possible causes behind them include: 1 Thumb: The ulnar collateral ligament can be torn when skiing (the injury is often called skier's thumb) or in a fall when the thumb is bent in an extreme position. 6 2 Neck: The ligaments of the neck can be torn during whiplash injuries when sudden acceleration and deceleration cause extreme movement of the cervical spine. The ligament tear is just one part of a whiplash injury, which may also damage muscles, nerves, and bones. 7 3 Back: The ligaments in the back can be torn by lifting something that is too heavy. 8
How to tell if a ligament is tearing?
Symptoms. A ligament tear is painful and tender to the touch. You may see swelling and bruising. It may be difficult to move the joint. In the case of some ligaments, you may hear a pop or feel tearing at the time of the injury. You may also experience muscle spasms. 1 . Ligaments support and strengthen joints.
Which ligament is most commonly injured?
The ACL is the most common ligament to be injured. 4 . Wrist: There are 20 ligaments in the wrist and tears most often occur in falling on an outstretched hand. The scapholunate ligament and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) are the most common ones injured. 5 . Other common sites of ligament tears and the possible causes ...
What is the function of ligaments?
Ligaments support and strengthen joints. Their main function is to keep the bones of the skeleton in proper alignment and prevent abnormal movements of the joints. Movement will be impaired when a ligament is torn, resulting in looseness in the joint or being unable to move the joint normally.
How long does it take to heal a ligament tear?
The recovery time can be a few weeks or up to a year, depending on the severity of the ligament tear. 11 .
How to heal a sprained thumb?
Right after you’ve sprained your thumb, use the PRICE method: 1 Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down. 2 Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse. 3 Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling. 4 Compression: Wrap the area of the sprain with elastic wrap to keep pressure on the sprain. 5 Elevation: Keep your hand lifted above your heart to reduce swelling and internal bleeding.
How to stop a sprained thumb from getting worse?
Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse. Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling . Compression: Wrap the area of the sprain with elastic wrap to keep pressure on the sprain.
What is a thumb sprain?
Overview. A thumb sprain happens when you injure the tissues in your thumb that connect the bones in a joint. These tissues, known as ligaments, keep your bones in place when the joint moves. In your thumb, several ligaments help you grab objects, pinch, and make a fist. A thumb sprain is much less serious than a broken thumb because ...
Why is it called a skier's thumb?
A sprained thumb is sometimes called skier’s thumb because you can easily injure your thumb’s UCL if you hit your thumb at high speeds against a skiing pole. It’s also sometimes called gamekeeper’s thumb because of how common a chronic UCL sprain is among gamekeepers.
What ligament is involved in thumb sprain?
Read about how minor sports injuries can be treated at home. The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the most common ligament involved in a thumb sprain. This ligament is at the base of your thumb near your palm at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). It keeps your thumb from bending too far or dislocating.
How long does it take for a thumb splint to be removed?
To treat a minor sprain, your doctor will have you wear a thumb spica splint or a cast to keep your thumb from moving. After about six weeks , the splint or cast is removed. Your thumb will be stiff after not using it for six weeks, so your doctor will then recommend exercises to get back full control of your thumb.
How to get rid of a swollen thumb?
Repeat these exercises 8–12 times several times a day. Bend the top part of your thumb back and forth. Hold the base of your thumb and bend it so that the thumb touches your palm. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger in succession.
Types of UCL Injury
Symptoms
- An ulnar collateral ligament injury most often occurs as a result of sports injuries. Athletes who are skiers and soccer players often sustain this injury. An ulnar collateral ligament injury can also occur as the result of a fall or other trauma.1 Patients who sustain an acute tear of the ulnar collateral ligament typically complain of pain and swelling directly over the torn ligament at the b…
Diagnosis
- Tests used to confirm the diagnosis may include X-rays or MRIs. X-rays can be helpful as they allow your healthcare provider to stress the joint and see if the ligament is doing its job or if it damaged too much to stabilize the joint. In addition, sometimes X-rays show a small piece of bone pulled off the thumb metacarpal by the UCL ligament. This bone, called a Stener lesion, is …
Treatment
- Treatment depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, how long ago the injury occurred, the age of the patient, and the physical demands of the patient. If the tear is partial, and the thumb is not too loose, the patient is usually placed in a cast or a modified wrist splint (called a thumb spica) for 4 to 6 weeks. By immobilizi...
A Word from Verywell
- Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb can cause pain and instability. The instability of the thumb often makes activities such as gripping or pinching uncomfortable and difficult to perform. For these reasons, people with more significant injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament may choose to have a surgical procedure to repair or reconstruct the damage to ligaments. For …
Introduction
Clinical Relevant Anatomy
Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process
Clinical Presentation
Diagnostic Procedures
Management / Interventions
- A thumb spica splint or cast immobilization is indicated for 4 weeks for a partial rupture, or up to 6 weeks if an associated avulsion fracture is present. For acute injury • Rest, elevation, ice • Immobilization in a thumb spica splint • Analgesics • Orthopedic follow-up For chronic injury • Thumb spica brace • Activity modifi cation • Orthopedic ...