ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES OF THE THUMB

Many sports, most commonly football and skiing, can result in injury t o the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb or its attachment sites. Abduction stress testing and radiographs can determine injury severity . Conservative measures can be used to treat incomplete ligament injur ies and nondisplaced fractures; however, surgery is generally needed t o repair complete ligament tears and displaced fractures. After adequa te immobilization and physical therapy, patients can return to play if the ligament is protected with splinting or taping.