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Skier's or gamekeepers's thumb

Skeletal view of hand, with detail of complete tear of ulnar collateral ligament in thumb

Skier's (or gamekeeper's) thumb results from a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. This injury can happen when your thumb is pulled back or to the side, away from your fingers. It often happens when a skier falls on an outstretched hand that is holding a ski pole. The tear can be partial or complete.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Messenger, MD
Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery

Current as ofMarch 21, 2017

Current as of: March 21, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & David Messenger, MD & Herbert von Schroeder, MD, MSc, FRCSC - Hand and Microvascular Surgery