Medical Treatment

If the doctor determines that you have a skier's thumb, then referral to an orthopedic or hand surgeon will be the next step in your care. The orthopedic surgeon will determine when your thumb needs to be reexamined. At that time, your options for surgical versus nonsurgical therapy will be discussed.

Typically, partial injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament are immobilized for several weeks, while complete rupture of the ligament usually requires surgical repair.