Gamekeeper thumb

Case contributed by Alexandra Stanislavsky
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sporting injury to the thumb.

Patient Data

Age: 17 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is an intra-articular fracture involving the base of the left thumb proximal phalanx, at the ulnar side border. This corresponds to the attachment of the thumb UCL.

Case Discussion

Typical appearance of an avulsion fracture at the insertion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. This generally occurs as a result of forced abduction of the thumb. 

Somewhat historically, this injury is commonly referred to as a gamekeeper's thumb.

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