What is Gamekeeper's Thumb?
Gamekeeper's thumb, also commonly known as Skier's Thumb, is an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. The injury most commonly results from sudden, forceful hyperabduction of the thumb (3) and may be classified as a Grade 1, 2, or 3 based on the severity of the injury (6).
Common symptoms of the injury include pain in the area of the injury, especially when grabbing or pinching with the thumb, bruising and swelling as well as weakness of the thumb while grabbing and/or pinching (6).
- Grade 1 - UCL has been stretched beyond normal length but there is no tear in the ligament. Surgury will not be required.
- Grade 2 - UCL has been stretched beyond normal length and there is a slight tear of the ligament. Surgury is not normally required.
- Grade 3 - UCL has been stretched beyond normal length and there is a complete tear of the ligament. Surgury will be required for full rehabilitation.
Common symptoms of the injury include pain in the area of the injury, especially when grabbing or pinching with the thumb, bruising and swelling as well as weakness of the thumb while grabbing and/or pinching (6).