Best Practice Case Studies-Case 130 Asset 1 Thumb UCL Injury

Video Transcription

Video Summary

A 23-year-old woman injured her right thumb playing basketball and had pain, tenderness, and valgus laxity concerning for a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear. Initial radiographs showed no clear fracture, only soft tissue swelling and a small ossific density. MRI confirmed a distal UCL tear with retraction and entrapment beneath the adductor aponeurosis, creating a Stener lesion with the classic “yo-yo on a string” appearance. The case also showed bone contusion and mild adductor pollicis strain. Recommended imaging starts with 3-view thumb X-rays, followed by noncontrast MRI when UCL injury is suspected.

Meta Tag

Edition 4th Edition

Related Case 4th Edition, Case 130

Topic Hand

Keywords

4th Edition

4th Edition, Case 130

Hand

ulnar collateral ligament tear

Stener lesion

thumb injury

MRI imaging

basketball injury