Surgery

If you elect to have surgery, then operative exploration and ligament repair using something called a "suture anchor" will most likely be performed. After the operation, your hand may be placed in a lightweight cast to hold your thumb still while your ligament heals. You will have to remain in this cast for some time based on your orthopedic surgeon's preferences, although some surgeons now advocate early gentle motion.

If you have an associated fracture with your skier's thumb, then it may be treated with a modified cast. Surgical stabilization of the fracture might be needed if a piece of bone has broken off in an unacceptable place.