Ucl Injury Research Paper

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb

A ligament is a strong band of tissue that connects and supports bones. Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury happens when the UCL at the base of the thumb is stretched or torn. A tear can be either partial or complete. The severity of the injury depends on how much of the ligament was damaged or torn.

The UCL ligament is important for normal use of the thumb. This ligament helps you use and move your thumb. . UCL injury can happen suddenly (acute injury) or gradually (chronic injury) with repeated over stretching of the ligament. If not treated properly, UCL injury can lead to arthritis.

CAUSES

This condition is caused by forcefully moving the thumb past its normal range of motion toward

• Do activities that increase the chance of the thumb being pulled away from the rest of the hand.

• Have poor hand strength and flexibility.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Pain or tenderness over the injured area with movement of the thumb.

• Pain when pressing on the injured area.

• Bruising or redness at the base of the thumb. This can spread to the whole thumb and part of the hand.

• Swelling over the injured area.

• Difficulty grasping or pinching with the injured thumb due to weakness or pain.

• A lump (mass) may be felt under the skin in the inured area if the injury is severe.

DIAGNOSIS

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. You may also have imaging studies, including:

• X-ray.

• Ultrasound.

• MRI.

TREATMENT

Treatment varies depending on the severity of your injury. If the UCL is overstretched or partially torn, treatment usually involves keeping your thumb in a fixed position (immobilization) for a period of time. To help you do this, your health care provider will apply a brace, cast, or splint to keep your thumb from moving until it

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

If You Have a Cast:

• Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of infection.

• Check the skin around the cast every day. Report any concerns to your health care provider. You may put lotion on dry skin around the edges of the cast. Do not apply lotion to the skin underneath the cast.

• Keep the cast clean and dry.

If You Have a Brace or Splint:

• Wear it as directed by your health care provider. Remove it only as directed by your health care provider.

• Loosen it if your fingers become numb and tingle, or if they turn cold and blue.

• Keep it clean and dry.

Managing Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling

• If directed, apply ice to the injured area:

○ Put ice in a plastic bag.

○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.

○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.

• Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.

• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

General