Skier’s Thumb

A 27 year-old male fell while skiing and caught his thumb in the strap of the ski pole. As he fell he felt a sudden pop and had swelling on the side of his thumb. He developed pain and weakness especially with efforts to pinch that caused pain. His exam under fluoroscopy showed marked instability consistent with a ligament tear. (Photo 1) At surgery the ligament was completely attached from the bone (photo 2) 6 weeks after repair of the ligament (photo 3) the ligament has been sutured back to the bone using a special metal anchor, his pain resolved and his strength returned in 12 weeks after hand therapy.