Gamekeeper

Gamekeeper's thumb
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pain, swelling, instability of the thumb
Complications	Chronic instability, arthritis
Onset	Acute or chronic
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb
Risks	Skiing, sports involving gripping
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Splinting, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common in athletes
Deaths	N/A

Gamekeeper's thumb, also known as skier's thumb, is a type of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. This condition is commonly associated with sports and activities that involve repetitive stress or acute trauma to the thumb.

Causes

Gamekeeper's thumb is typically caused by a forceful abduction of the thumb, which can occur during activities such as skiing, where a fall can lead to the thumb being caught in a ski pole strap. It can also occur in other sports or activities that involve gripping, such as hockey or mountain biking.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Gamekeeper's thumb include:

• Pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb
• Swelling and bruising around the thumb joint
• Weakness or instability when pinching or gripping
• Difficulty in performing tasks that require thumb opposition

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Gamekeeper's thumb is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. A healthcare provider may perform a stress test on the thumb to assess the stability of the UCL. X-ray or MRI may be used to evaluate the extent of the injury and rule out associated fractures.

Treatment

Treatment for Gamekeeper's thumb depends on the severity of the injury:

• Non-surgical treatment: Mild injuries may be treated with immobilization using a thumb splint or cast for several weeks to allow the ligament to heal.
• Surgical treatment: Severe injuries, particularly those involving complete tears of the UCL, may require surgical repair to restore thumb stability.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for Gamekeeper's thumb is generally good. Most individuals can return to their previous level of activity following rehabilitation. However, untreated or improperly managed injuries can lead to chronic instability and arthritis of the thumb joint.

Prevention

Preventive measures include using proper equipment, such as ski poles with quick-release straps, and strengthening exercises for the hand and thumb to improve stability and resilience.

See also

• Ligament injury
• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine

External links

• [Orthopedic resources on thumb injuries]