Gamekeeper's thumb

Gamekeeper's thumb (also known as skier's thumb or UCL tear) is a type of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament common among gamekeepers, especially Scottish fowl-hunters. The hunter would carry home their game with a leather thong attached to their thumb draped over their shoulder. Other sources cite the fact that English gamekeepers sustained the injury because they killed rabbits with a forceful blow from their thumb to the back of the animals' necks.

Skiers have also reported similar problems caused by gripping their ski poles when falling, causing stress on the UCL. [cite web|last=Hannibal|first=Matthew, M.D.|title=eMedicine - Gamekeeper's Thumb|publisher=eMedicine|url=http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic112.htm|accessdate=2007-01-21] The injury is also common in sports players (forced abduction of the thumb) and in persons who have sustained a fall.

ymptoms and Treatments

url=http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/handcondiitions/a/gamekeepers.htm|accessdate=2007-01-21]

Differences between Gamekeeper's Thumb and Skier's Thumb

Gamekeeper's Thumb and Skier's Thumb are essentially the same, and can be used interchangeably. However, Skier's Thumb is considered to be more acute, as skiers only acquire the injury after falling. Gamekeepers acquire the injury over time as the result of their job. Skier's thumb is more easily treated because the injury has not exacerbated itself yet, as opposed to Gamekeeper's thumb.

ee also

*Tennis elbow
*Carpal-tunnel syndrome

References

External links

* [http://www.e-hand.com/hw/hw016.htm Gamekeeper's Thumb at e-hand]
* [http://www.davidlnelson.md/Gamekeepers_Thumb.htm Gamekeeper's Thumb Surgery Info]