Ulnar collateral ligament of thumb

Ulnar collateral ligament (thumb)
From first metacarpal head
To volar aspect of proximal phalanx of the thumb
Anatomical terminology

The ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb runs along the ulnar side of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the thumb.

It is on the radial side of the wrist, but on the ulnar side of the thumb. It should not be confused with the ulnar collateral ligament of wrist joint.

Clinical significance

Injuries to it cause instability and loss of function of the thumb. Acutely this injury is known as the Skier's thumb[1] or if the result of chronic injury Gamekeeper's thumb.

References

  1. Jeffrey Bytomski; Claude Moorman; Domhnall MacAuley (2010). Oxford American Handbook of Sports Medicine. Oxford University Press US. pp. 186–. ISBN 978-0-19-537219-9. Retrieved 1 November 2010.