Question 1

i have grade 2 tears to both ulnar and radial collateral ligaments in thumb, which have shown no improvement. will i need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends : How long has it been like that?  I.e. Has it had enough time to heal?  It is not terribly uncommon for the ulnar collateral Ligament at times not to heal and then surgery is needed or surgery is sometimes done preemptively.  Discuss with a hand specialist.

Question 2

how painful is it to recover from a thumb radial collateral ligament reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Not too bad: Well, in the spectrum of orthopedic surgery it is pretty well tolerated.  It can be Done under general or regional anesthesia, splinting is typically used for approximately 6-8 weeks.  I would discuss your specific case with your surgeon.

Question 3

could radial collateral ligament be torn if i have bruising & pain at that part of thumb & below on hand, but can move thumb mostly normally ?

Accepted Answer

Torn ligament: It's possible but would require significant trauma to tear a ligament. Hopefully it's just a sprain which improves in a week or so provided that you rest the wrist. Cold applications for 48 hours after the injury followed by the use of warm applications help. Also, if you can take them, anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Aleve help reduce inflammation. For persistent pain,swelling,see MD

Question 4

mri suggested sl ligament injury, gap widening, perilunate subluxion but then a hand surgeon took x-rays and they were normal. i'm confused will pt work?

Accepted Answer

Doubt it: Xrays with a flexed fist and xrays at extremes of abduction and adduction may display the instability the MRI predicts. I would see a hand and wrist specialist for this. If the scapholunate ligament is torn it may lead to pain and post-traumatic arthritis without treatment.

Question 5

pain in both hands. ulnar and below thumbs. no injury from fall. have been using smartphones alot interchangeably both hands. what's causing the pain?

Accepted Answer

Possibilities: The pain can be caused by a number of possibilities, such as a pinched nerve in the arm, a pinched nerve in the neck, overuse, tendonitis, etc.  Unfortunately it will take evaluation by a physician to give you a more precise diagnosis.

Question 6

ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of thumb had surgery- when do most people return to work at office job?

Accepted Answer

UCL: The ulnar collateral ligament is not located by the thumb.

Question 7

is it ok to have physical therapy two weeks after a ulnar collateral tear of the thumb?

Accepted Answer

Not 2 move the joint: U should b sure it is not trapped under adductor, it won't heal. Only an MRI will tell. If in place and not trapped casting is needed 4 5-6 wks, with no motion. Also if fx also, surgical approach is best. Cast @ least 4-5 weeks from date of injury.

Question 8

i have a torn ligament in thumb, which type of doctor to go to?

Accepted Answer

Thumb ligament tears: Can be on the ulnar or radial side of the MCP joint. They can be partial or complete. Partial tears often are treated conservatively unless there is a chronic symptomatic laxity. Acutes  complete tears are treated  woth immobilzation​ or with surgery depending upon the typ​e of tear. Hand surgeons treat these most often and understand when to use what type of treatment

Question 9

how can i tell if i have a broken thumb or torn ligament instead of a mild sprain of my thumb?

Accepted Answer

Several : Several things can be occuring

1. A trigger thumb where the tendon gets transiently locked causing the distal joint ( near the nail) to become stuck.

2. A swollen joint from being contused ( in this cases it sounds like the mp joint) causing the joint to glide less fluidly

3. An injured collateral ligament at the ulnar aspect of the mp joint

4. A small fracture at the joint level

1, 3, and 4 need treatment

2 might get better over the next day of two

if it does not get better  seek out medical attention.

Question 10

will i need physical therapy if i tore a ligament in my thumb?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Torn ligaments often require immobilization for weeks. Some require surgery.  You will  benefit  from physical therapy to restore full range of motion and strength to the thumb joint once it is healed.

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Doctor answers about:

Ulnar collateral ligament injury thumb

A member asked:

I have grade 2 tears to both ulnar and radial collateral ligaments in thumb, which have shown no improvement. will i need surgery?

A member asked:

How painful is it to recover from a thumb radial collateral ligament reconstruction?

A member asked:

Could radial collateral ligament be torn if i have bruising & pain at that part of thumb & below on hand, but can move thumb mostly normally ?

A member asked:

Mri suggested sl ligament injury, gap widening, perilunate subluxion but then a hand surgeon took x-rays and they were normal. i'm confused will pt work?

A member asked:

Pain in both hands. ulnar and below thumbs. no injury from fall. have been using smartphones alot interchangeably both hands. what's causing the pain?

A member asked:

Ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of thumb had surgery- when do most people return to work at office job?

A member asked:

Is it ok to have physical therapy two weeks after a ulnar collateral tear of the thumb?

A member asked:

I have a torn ligament in thumb, which type of doctor to go to?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i have a broken thumb or torn ligament instead of a mild sprain of my thumb?

A member asked:

Will i need physical therapy if i tore a ligament in my thumb?

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