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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

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Musculoskeletal Sports and Spine Disorders

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Abstract

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is commonly seen after a fall on an abducted thumb or after repetitive radial-directed stress. It is associated with several terminologies including skier’s thumb, gamekeeper’s thumb, and Stener lesion. There is often pain, swelling, and ecchymosis over the MCP joint of the thumb, and valgus stress in extension and flexion will show some degree of laxity. Imaging should include radiographs, in addition to ultrasound or MRI if a complete tear is suspected. In cases of a complete tear, referral should be made to a surgeon. Incomplete tears can be managed conservatively with immobilization until pain-free passive range of motion is achieved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Lisanne C. Cruz MD & Joseph Herrera DO

Authors
  1. Lisanne C. Cruz MD
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  2. Joseph Herrera DO
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Correspondence to Lisanne C. Cruz MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA

    Stuart B. Kahn

  2. Interventional Pain Management, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    Rachel Yinfei Xu

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Cruz, L.C., Herrera, J. (2017). Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury. In: Kahn, S., Xu, R. (eds) Musculoskeletal Sports and Spine Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50512-1_30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50512-1_30

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-50510-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-50512-1

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