IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Stener lesion

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Ongoing thumb pain after trauma. Ulnar collateral ligament injury?

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
mri

Complete tear of the first MCP joint ulnar collateral ligament distal attachment. The ligament is retracted and is flipped superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis consistent with a Stener lesion.

Annotated image

Torn and retracted ulnar collateral ligament (yellow arrows) flipped superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis (red arrows) consistent with a Stener lesion of the thumb.

Case Discussion

Stener lesion of the thumb on MRI. The interposition of the adductor pollicis aponeurosis between the retracted ulnar collateral ligament and the joint prevents healing unless surgical repair is performed.  

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.