Is surgery necessary to an ulnar collateral ligament tear in the thumb?

Is surgery necessary to an ulnar collateral ligament tear in the thumb?

When is surgery recommended? Historically, the recommended treatment for a UCL injury involved immobilizing the thumb in a cast for four to six weeks. This option may work if the ligament injury is minor. Today, in the majority cases, surgery to repair the UCL is the treatment of choice.

How do you treat a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb?

Partial tears and minimally displaced tears can be treated in a cast, which is worn for four weeks followed by a removable splint until motion and stability are returned. Complete tears that are displaced are treated surgically. This procedure requires your surgeon to surgically reattach the ligament.

How long does it take for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb 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.

Is UCL thumb surgery painful?

Most patients have minimal pain by 6 weeks after surgery, with nearly full thumb and hand motion by 3 months. Your symptoms will continue to improve by working in therapy. It is important that you consistently work with your therapist to optimize motion and strength after surgery.

Can you still move your thumb with a torn ligament?

Grade 2 sprains: These involve a partial tear of a ligament. The thumb may be tender and painful to move, or it may feel unusually loose. Grade 3 sprains: These entail a complete tear of a ligament. The sprain may be very painful, and it may be difficult to move the thumb.

What is the fastest way to heal a torn ligament in the thumb?

How is a sprained thumb treated?

1. Pressure: Press down on the area of the sprain to keep swelling down.
2. Rest: Move your thumb as little as possible to keep the sprain from getting worse.
3. Ice: Fill a bag with ice and put it on the area of the sprain to reduce pain and swelling.

Can you play with a torn UCL thumb?

Athletes Can Return to Play in Half the Time with New Thumb Ligament Surgery. Steven Shin, MD, treats elite athletes in his clinic, but you don’t have to play for a professional team to benefit from his groundbreaking technique for treating thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries.