Thumb Injuries
A 28-year-old man falls while skiing with his hand caught in the ski pole strap. He presents with pain and swelling at the base of his thumb. Examination reveals tenderness over the ulnar aspect of the thumb MCP joint with laxity on valgus stress testing (35 degrees of opening with no firm endpoint, compared to 10 degrees on the uninjured side). There is weakness of pinch grip. Radiographs show a small avulsion fragment at the base of the proximal phalanx. Regarding ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
The UCL of the thumb MCP joint provides stability for pinch and grip function; injury occurs from fo...
The Stener lesion occurs when the torn UCL displaces superficial to the adductor aponeurosis, preven...
The Stener lesion describes the UCL deep to the adductor aponeurosis in its normal position; radial ...
Stress testing compares valgus laxity to the uninjured side; greater than 30-35 degrees of opening o...
Surgical indications include complete rupture with gross instability, Stener lesion, and displaced a...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option