What is Gamekeeper’s Thumb?
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Accident Lawyer. There are many different injuries that can be caused by auto accidents, one of which is called Gamekeeper’s Thumb.
Gamkeeper’s Thumb Explained
This is a slightly different hand fracture than the others because this is an avulsion that may or may not fracture the thumb. Gamekeeper’s thumb is the name given to a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb. Most UCL tears in this location cause a bone fracture of the proximal phalanx.
Mechanism of Injury
This injury is very common in skiers and competitive athletes. If someone falls on an outstretched hand, particularly if they got their thumb caught on an object before falling (like a flag), they can avulse the UCL from its insertion site. This leads to a UCL tear and, possibly, a fracture of the proximal phalanx of the thumb of the hand. When truck accidents are involved, someone may brace themselves against the steering wheel or the dashboard, leading to Gamekeeper’s Thumb.
Treatment of Gamekeeper’s Thumb
Treatment always starts with an accurate diagnosis which includes a physical exam, x-ray, and possibly a MRI to get a better look at the UCL. If the UCL is not completely torn, surgery may not be necessary; however, treatment usually involves reconstruction of the UCL. This is usually done using the adductor pollicis muscle of the thumb, where a piece is taken to fashion a new UCL and restore function to the thumb.
Complications Can Occur
This can be a challenging injury to treat, leading to comorbidities which can develop with Gamekeeper’s Thumb. The most common complication is the loss of range of motion of the thumb or future instability of the joints in the area. This can happen if the UCL isn’t completely torn but merely stretched. This can impact the range of motion with the thumb, leading to difficulty using it properly.
What Other Structures Might be Damaged?
The other structure that patients should be concerned about is the metacarpophalangeal, or MCP, joint. Because the UCL inserts near this joint, it can be compromised by an injury. This can impact the degree of extension and flexion of the thumb itself.
Differential Diagnosis
This differential diagnosis for Gamekeeper’s Thumb includes:
- Boxer’s Fracture
- Bennett’s Fracture
- MCP dislocation
- Lunate Dislocation
The Overall Prognosis
The degree of injury with this condition varies widely from patient to patient. The prognosis will depend on the degree of stretching and tearing of the UCL and the possibility of surgery. Furthermore, some patients develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis near the MCP joint later in life after the repair.
Surgery is Probably Necessary
Because almost every patient has some degree of tearing in the UCL, the ligament must be reconstructed. Surgery will be performed to fashion a new UCL to take the place of the ruptured structure.
Other Articles by Ed Smith ~
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer, Ed Smith
Sacramento Accident Lawyers & Personal Injury Attorneys
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Accident Lawyer. Patients suffering this type of injury as a result of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence may call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I am a member of the California group of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We are top-ranked trial lawyers who have obtained case verdicts in excess of $1 Million US Dollars.
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