GAMEKEEPER’S/SKIER’S THUMB
Gamekeepers or skiers thumb describes a sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, which is located between the first metacarpophalangeal joint close to the web of the thumb.
This injury can occur either as a single event or due to a repetitive overload (chronic) injury, whereby the ligament becomes stretched and torn, leading to pain, swelling, possible bruising and instability. In some cases, this injury is also associated with an avulsion fracture, whereby the ligament fails to tear and, instead, pulls a small piece of bone off the base of where the ulnar collateral ligament attaches onto the bone.
A common mechanism for this injury is a fall onto an outstretched hand, especially during activities such as skiing (hence skier’s thumb), whereby the strap of the ski pole forces the thumb into a sudden hyperextended position, resulting in injury.
Another common name for this injury is gamekeeper’s thumb. This term was initially used back in 1955 by an orthopaedic surgeon named CS Campbell. He observed that this condition tended to occur when gamekeepers exerted downward pressure with the thumb and index fingers in an attempt to try and break the neck of small animals. This repetitive thumb movement led to a chronic sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament.
When approaching this injury, it is necessary for your healthcare professional to ascertain the degree of injury. If a severe sprain or rupture is suspected, further imaging such as an MRI scan may be recommended (see below).
In the case of milder or intermediate injury, a course of conservative care will usually be the first course of action. This often involves a period of immobilisation using a thumb splint to give the ligament time to heal.
(The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered a replacement for a full medical examination. Furthermore, we do not purport to treat all the conditions listed. Should you wish to discuss any of these conditions with our chiropractors, please do not hesitate to phone the clinic on 020 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk).
Our team of chiropractors and massage therapists are on hand to answer any questions you may have, so get in touch today via enquiries@body-motion.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7374 2272.