GAMEKEEPER'S THUMB
Gamekeeper's thumb is an insufficiency of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Campbell originally coined the term in 1955 because the condition was most commonly associated with Scottish gamekeepers (especially rabbit keepers) as a work-related injury.
Gamekeeper's thumb is a condition that occurs when the inner ligament at the base of the thumb (the ulnar collateral ligament) is injured due to overuse or trauma. When sudden injury is the cause, the condition is usually called Skier's thumb.
Does gamekeeper's thumb require surgery? Surgery is typically only considered for this condition if the ligament at the base of the thumb is fully severed. If the tear is partial, then a cast or a thumb spica splint can be used to immobilize the joint and keep the ligament in place while it heals itself together again.
