Skier's Thumb

What is skier's thumb?

Skier’s thumb is also called gamekeeper’s thumb. It is a condition that occurs when a ligament in your thumb is twisted or torn. Ligaments are the tissues that hold your bones together. Ligaments help keep your joints stable (secure). Joints are the areas in your body where two bones meet. Your thumb supports the major movements of your hand. With skier's thumb, you may have trouble doing activities you need your fingers or hand for. Treatment may decrease your symptoms and make your thumb stable. Treatment may also help bring the function of your thumb, wrist, or hand back to normal.

What causes skier's thumb?

Skier's thumb may occur from a sport-related injury. The most common sports that may cause a thumb injury are; skiing, football, biking, gymnastics, or in-line skating. You may also get skier's thumb from any of the following:

• A fall or a direct blow (hit) to your thumb.
  
  
• Any injury that forces your thumb to be pulled away from the palm of your hand.
  
  
• Falling onto your open hand with your thumb tucked in.
  
  
• Repeated thumb movements causing your thumb joint to become unstable.

What are the signs and symptoms of skier's thumb?

You may have any of the following:

• An abnormal lump may be felt in your thumb.
  
  
• Bruising (blue or black skin color changes) of your thumb.
  
  
• Deformed (misshapen) thumb.
  
  
• Pain, tenderness, or swelling in your thumb.
  
  
• Trouble holding or pinching things between your thumb and fingers.
  
  
• Trouble moving your thumb.

How is skier's thumb diagnosed?

Your caregiver may move your injured thumb to compare it's movement to your healthy thumb. Certain tests may be painful. Your caregiver may give you a shot of numbing medicine into your thumb to decrease your pain. You may need imaging tests to help your caregiver learn more about your condition. Certain tests may use a special dye to help the pictures show up better. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies. You may need any of the following:

• Computed tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. It is a special x-ray machine that takes pictures of the bones in your thumb. These pictures may help your caregiver decide if you need surgery.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This test is also called an MRI. An MRI may be used to look at the tissues and bones in your hand. You must lie still during an MRI. Never enter the MRI room with any metal objects, such as an oxygen tank or watch. This can cause serious injury.
  
  
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of your tissues, joints, and ligaments on a TV-like screen.
  
  
• X-rays:
  
  
  • Arthrography: An arthrography is an x-ray that looks at your bones, ligaments, and tendons. Dye will be given as a shot into your injured area for this kind of x-ray.
    
    
  • Plain x-ray: This is a picture of the joints, bones and tissues in your hand.
    
    
  • Stress x-ray: A stress x-ray may be done to check how stable your thumb joint is. Ask your caregiver for more information about this test.

How is skier's thumb treated?

Treatment will depend on the type of injury you have. You may need any of the following:

• Immobilization: Immobilization is used to decrease or prevent movement of your injured thumb. This may be the only treatment you need if your injury is not severe. Immobilization devices include a removable thumb spica cast (shaped piece of plaster), brace or a splint. The devices may protect your thumb from further damage while it heals. The devices are normally worn for 3 to 6 weeks.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery is usually done if your thumb is severely injured. A graft (healthy tissue) may be taken from another area of your body to replace a torn ligament. Broken bones will also be fixed during surgery. Special pull-out wires and screws may be used to fix your broken bones. Arthrodesis (attachment of joints) may also be done if your joint shows signs of arthritis (joint swelling). You may need to wear an immobilization device after your surgery.

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• You have trouble moving your thumb.
  
  

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have sudden numbness or tingling in your thumb or fingers.
  
  
• You have worsening thumb pain.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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