Skier's or gamekeeper's thumb

Skeletal view of hand, with detail of complete tear of ulnar collateral ligament in thumb

Skier's (or gamekeeper's) thumb results from a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. This injury can happen when your thumb is pulled back or to the side, away from your fingers. It often happens when a skier falls on an outstretched hand that is holding a ski pole. The tear can be partial or complete.

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
Herbert von Schroeder MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery

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