Thumb MP Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury

The Hand & Wrist Center
3918 Long Beach Boulevard, Suite 100
Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: (562) 424-9000
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

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Hand & Wrist Conditions Treated

Injuries to the thumb MP joint’s Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) occur when the thumb is pushed outward (abducted). This injury has also been termed as “Skier’s thumb.” If there is noted to be significant instability associated with a complete ligament tear, usually these injuries will not heal adequately and surgical repair is then warranted. Less common are partial tears of the UCL, which can be adequately treated by immobilization. For untreated injuries of the UCL, reconstruction of this ligament may be successful. For more chronic injuries associated with instability and arthritis, surgical fusion (or arthrodesis) provide excellent and reliable results.