Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

What is Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury?

Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury is when there is a hard force on the thumb that pulls the thumb away from the hand which cause damage to the thumb ligaments. When the thumb is straight, the ligaments are tight and stabilize the joint against pulling force. If the force is too strong, the ligaments can tear. They may even tear completely.

What are the causes?

A force that pulls the thumb away from the palm of the hand can damage the ligaments. The most common way for this to happen is to fall on your hand with your thumb stretched out.

What are the symptoms?

• Painful and swelling
• Thumb feels weak
• Bruise like discolor on the thumb joint
• A bump on edge of the thumb near the palm of the hand.

What are the treatment?

• Thumb spica cast
• Surgical Treatment
• Rehabiliation