Skier's Thumb
Medical Author:
Justin Strittmatter, MD
Coauthor:
Charles Preston, MD
Medical Editor:
Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Thomas Rebbecchi, MD, FAAEM
Skier's Thumb OverviewSkier's thumb describes an injury of the soft tissue that connects the bones of your thumb together. In medical terms, this soft tissue is called a ligament. This injury was originally noted in 1955 as a chronic ligament problem seen in Scottish gamekeepers who damaged their thumbs by repeatedly twisting the necks of hares. The injury was termed the gamekeeper's thumb at that time. The popularity of recreational downhill skiing has caused this injury to become much more common in the United States and has caused the term gamekeeper's thumb to be replaced with the more contemporary term, skier's thumb. Skier’s thumb now accounts for a significant number of skiing injuries. In severe cases, with complete tearing of the ligament, this injury must be surgically repaired. The ultimate stability of the ligament is important because of its contribution to the grasping function of the thumb. People with skier’s thumb may be able to return to work and even skiing in a short period with proper rehabilitation. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSkier's Thumb - CausesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your skier's thumb? |
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Skier's Thumb
Finger Infection Overview
Infection of a finger is a common problem. Infection can range from mild to potentially serious. Often these infections start out small and are relatively easy to treat. Failure to properly treat these infections can result in permanent disability or loss of the finger.
Early recognition and proper treatment of the following main finger infections will help prevent most of the serious outcomes.
- Paronychia: A paronychia is an infection of the finger that involves the tissue at the edges of the fingernail. This infection is usually superficial and localized to the soft tissue and skin around the fingernail. This is the most common bacterial infection seen in the hand.
- Felon: A felon is an infection of the fingertip. This infection is located in the fingertip pad and soft tissue associated with it.
- Herpetic whitlow: A herpetic whitlow is an i...
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Skier's Thumb »
Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb were first recognized as an occupational condition in European gamekeepers.
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