A Stener lesion is a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) from the thumb proximal phalanx at the level of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint that is displaced superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis, leading to interposition of the aponeurosis between the UCL and the MCP joint.

What are stener lesions?

A Stener lesion occurs when a complete distal, thumb ulnar collateral ligament tear results in the interposition of the aponeurosis of the adductor pollicis muscle between the metacarpophalangeal joint and torn ligament.

Does a Stener lesion require surgery?

However, presence of a Stener lesion is a distinct, anatomic lesion that requires surgical correction. In cases of a complete, distal, thumb UCL tear, the aponeurosis of the adductor pollicis muscle can be interposed between the MCP of the joint and torn ligament.

How common is a Stener lesion?

A Stener lesion is an uncommon variant where the torn UCL is displaced superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis. This leads to UCL entrapment and reduced likelihood of healing with conservative management.

How do you assess a Stener lesion?

Palpation of a lump (the distal end of the ruptured UCL) on the ulnar aspect of the thumb MCP joint is strongly suggestive of a Stener lesion; however, the absence of a mass does not exclude a Stener lesion.

Skier's Thumb Gamekeeper's Thumb - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim

How is a Stener lesion diagnosed?

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb requires imaging for diagnosis of surgically important entities such as the Stener lesion. Historically, routine radiography including stress views does not allow such diagnosis and is potentially detrimental to patient care.

Is UCL thumb surgery painful?

You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain.

What is the metacarpal phalangeal joint?

The metacarpophalangeal joint or MP joint, also known as the first knuckle, is the large joint in the hand where the finger bones meet the hand bones. The MCP joint acts as a hinge joint and is vital during gripping and pinching. When arthritis affects the MP joint, the condition is called MP joint arthritis.

Where is the ulnar collateral ligament thumb?

The thumb metacarpophalangeal joint contains two important ligaments: the ulnar collateral ligament, which is on the pinky side of the thumb, and the radial collateral ligament, which is on the free side of the thumb.

What is a stener?

A Stener lesion is a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) from the thumb proximal phalanx at the level of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint that is displaced superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis, leading to interposition of the aponeurosis between the UCL and the MCP joint.

What is the adductor aponeurosis thumb?

The adductor aponeurosis serves as an active restraint to thumb abduction but has no passive role in MCP stability. Severance of the adductor aponeurosis has no effect on lateral stability. The UCL of the thumb is composed of two discernible components, the accessory and the proper.

Which of the following is the most common cause of wrist sprains?

Wrist sprains are caused most often by a fall onto an outstretched hand. This might happen during everyday activities, but frequently occurs during sports and outdoor recreation. You may sprain your wrist if you fall onto an outstretched hand.

How do you treat gamekeepers thumb?

Treatment for Gamekeeper's Thumb

If the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament is partial, and the thumb is not too loose, the patient is usually placed in a cast or a modified wrist splint (called a thumb spica) for four to six weeks.

Does a torn thumb ligament require surgery?

The ligament is completely torn or is pulled off its attachment to the bone. These are significant injuries that require medical or surgical care. If the ligament tears away from the bone, it may take a small chip of the bone with it. This is called an avulsion fracture.

How long is recovery from UCL surgery?

What is the recovery time? UCL repair surgery is an outpatient procedure and patients go home the same day. Most wear a soft splint for the first week and then spend four to six weeks in a cast to allow the ligament to heal. Rehabilitation with a certified hand therapist helps regain strength and stability.

What type of joint is the thumb interphalangeal joint?

Interphalangeal (IP) joints of the hand are hinge-type synovial joints between adjacent phalanges. The thumb has a single interphalangeal joint, and the second to fifth digits each have a proximal and a distal interphalangeal joint.

What is PIP hand?

Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIP Joint)

The PIP joint is the first joint of the finger and is located between the first two bones of the finger. The PIP joint can bend and extend the finger. It becomes stiff easily after injury and has very limited side to side motion.

Why are fingers called phalanges?

A phalanx was a formidable group that was difficult to penetrate. The bones in the fingers and toes were first called "phalanges" by the Greek philosopher-scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC) because they are arranged in ranks suggesting the military formation.

How long is recovery from thumb surgery?

Patients often need three months to fully recover. MU Health Care performs a new version of the surgery that does not require using a tendon or artificial spacer.

Can a torn thumb UCL heal itself?

A torn ligament cannot fully heal itself. Surgery for the thumb collateral ligaments is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will probably go home the same day as the surgery.

How long does it take for a thumb UCL tear to heal?

It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the ligament to heals sufficiently for light use and may take longer before return to sports.

What is a gamekeeper thumb?

Gamekeeper's thumb is a condition that occurs when the inner ligament at the base of the thumb (the ulnar collateral ligament) is injured due to overuse or trauma. When sudden injury is the cause, the condition is usually called Skier's thumb.

What is the volar plate?

The volar plate is a thick ligament that connects two bones in the finger. There are other ligaments to each side of the joint as well (collateral ligaments).

What is osseous avulsion?

An avulsion fracture is an injury to the bone in a location where a tendon or ligament attaches to the bone. When an avulsion fracture occurs, the tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of the bone.