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Home
3About
What Is Hand Therapy?
Our Staff
3Services
Custom made compression garments Custom Made Splints Hand therapy Hand Therapy at Home Inpatient Visits Pain Management Post operative rehabilitation Return to work plans Scar management Waterproof fibreglass casting
3Conditions
Burns and Scars Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Release DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis Dupuytren’s Fractures and Dislocations Mallet Finger Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Repetitive Strain Injuries Sporting Injuries Tendonitis Tennis Elbow Thumb Pain Trigger Finger Workplace Injuries Workplace Injuries
FAQs Contact Blog

Sport highlight – Thumb UCL Injuries

May 22, 2026 | Blog

 What is an ulnar collateral ligament injury?

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb is an important, strong ligament that sits on the inside of the thumb and helps to keep the metacarpophalangeal joint stable (MCJ) when gripping and pinching. Thumb UCL injuries may result in a partial tear or complete rupture of this ligament. This injury is commonly known as “Skier’s thumb”.

 

How do they happen?

This injury occurs as a result of forced abduction or extension of the thumb in which the ulnar collateral ligament is significantly stretched. This could be when skiing due to falling onto an outstretched hand while holding ski poles, which forces the thumb out sideways. It is also very common during ball sports when the thumb is knocked by the ball or another player, or gets caught in opponents clothing.

Symptoms:

  • Pain and swelling the MCPJ of the thumb, particularly in the webspace. Sometimes bruising may be present
  • Reduced thumb range of motion, limited by pain and swelling
  • Reduced grip and pinch strength
  • Pain and difficulty with activities such as opening packets, turning key, pulling up pants, holding a cup.

Hand therapy treatment:

Partial tears are able to be managed conservatively. Your hand therapist will typically fabricate a thermoplastic hand-based thumb spica splint to be worn full time for 6 weeks. You will then gradually wean from the splint and commence graded mobilization and strengthening exercises closely guided by your therapist.  
If you have sustained a high grade tear and the joint is unstable, surgical repair of the ligament may be required. A severe type of thumb UCL tear is called a Stener Lesion, where the ligament is fully torn and retracts underneath a neighbouring muscle. Stener lesions always require surgical repair to attach the ligament back to the correct place. Post-operative rehabilitation following a thumb UCL repair is similar to conservative treatment, however your hand therapist will also assist you with scar management.

If you think you have sustained a thumb UCL injury or have an ongoing problem with your thumb, book an appointment with our hand therapists today!

Written by Emily Fitzpatrick