Ulnar Collateral Injury Flashcards
1
Q
What are some other names for this condition?
A
Gamekeeper’s Thumb
Skier’s Thumb
2
Q
What is the mechanism of injury for ulnar collateral injuries?
A
Forced abduction and hyperextension of the MCP joint
3
Q
Which is more common, acute injury or repetitive use trauma?
A
Acute injury
4
Q
What are typical symptoms?
A
- pain exacerbated by thumb extension and abduction
- swelling along ulnar aspect of thumb
- MCP may not flex to 90
- pinch grip strength/holding power may be compromised
- laxity in valgus stress test
5
Q
What is testing performed after?
A
radiographs to rule out avulsion fracture
6
Q
What sort of imaging is indicated in UCL injuries? why?
A
standard posterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs
to rule out bony avulsions at base of prox phalanx
7
Q
MRI has a _______ sensitivity and specificity for ligament rupture.
A
high
8
Q
When should a patient be referred?
A
- large or severely displaced bony fragment
- complete UCL tear
- stability compromised
9
Q
How is the thumb splinted?
A
in a thumb splica splint flexed to 20 degrees
