Skier’s Thumb Surgery
A significant injury to the ulnar collateral ligament will require surgery as soon as possible. Addressing the injury via surgery expediently reduces the risk of complications and increases the probability that a surgeon can restore full functionality to the injured area.
If the ulnar collateral ligament is completely torn or severely stretched, then the damaged is considered to be significant. Surgery will be required to correct the injured area. Surgery might also be needed if trauma also caused a bone fracture or damaged tissue in the affected area. Skier’s Thumb surgery is commonly done as an outpatient procedure.
Surgical Procedure for Skier’s Thumb
During a surgical procedure for Skier’s Thumb, an incision is made at the base of the injured thumb. An orthopedic hand surgeon will reattach the damaged ligament to the bone using sutures or pins. Pins may also be used to repair a fractured bone. When the surgical procedure is finished, sutures are used to close the incision.
Recovering From Skier’s Thumb Surgery
After surgery, a patient will wear a cast and then a splint for as many as six weeks to keep the area immobilized so that it can properly heal.
After the injury has healed, a patient will need hand or physical therapy to help them regain grip strength, mobility and functionality.