A 39-year-old female presents to the emergency department with right thumb pain after falling in a skiing accident. On exam, there is mild swelling and tenderness on the ulnar aspect of the 1st MCP joint. Additionally, there is laxity with valgus stressing of the 1st MCP joint. An x-ray is obtained and shown above (Image 1. Provided by Alex Tomesch, MD).
Resources & References:
Need a refresher on the anatomy of UCL ligaments and examination techniques? Be sure to check out Dr. Lin’s excellent clinical tip post!
- Ritting AW, Baldwin PC, Rodner CM. Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. 2010;20(2):106-112. PMID: 20215892
- Mahajan M, Rhemrev SJ. Rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb – a review. Int J Emerg Med. 2013;6:31. PMID: 23938194
- Selsky A, Ilyas A. Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Repair. JOMI. Published online 2020.
- Rettig AC, Snead DS, Rettig LA. Chapter 41 – Hand Injuries. In: Johnson DL, Mair SD, eds. Clinical Sports Medicine. Mosby; 2006:407-426.