Gamekeeper’s Thumb is a tearing or stretching of the ligaments along the outside of the thumb. Gamekeeper’s Thumb can be caused by a strong blow to the thumb or it can be caused by progressive (one that occurs over time) injury of the ligament that connects the two bones at the MCP joint. This ligament, the Ulnar (on the little finger side of the hand) Collateral (side) Ligament (UCL), may be stressed and torn over time due to specific activities that stress this joint.
Symptoms
Pain, tenderness and instability of the thumb MCP joint (the joint at the level of the thumb web space), may indicate Gamekeeper’s Thumb. The thumb may appear crooked, as though it is leaning away from the hand.
How a 3-Point Splint Can Help
3-Point has several splints designed to stabilize and protect the thumb MCP joint. In mild cases if the ligament remains attached to the bone and is simply inflamed or irritated, splinting with the ThumSaver MP, 3pp Ultra MP, 3pp Ultra Spica, or the 3pp ThumSpica, may allow the ligament to heal itself. In more severe cases where the ligament has torn away from the bone, the ThumSaver MP, the 3pp Ultra MP or 3pp Ultra Spica will protect the thumb from further injury until surgery can be performed to reattach the ligament. Sometimes if the splint is worn for several months, the ligament may heal back onto the bone without surgery. Treatment options should be discussed with your physician or surgeon.
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