Does a torn ligament in your thumb require surgery?

Depends on severity: The common ligament in the thumb that gets injured is the ulnar collateral ligament (commonly referred to as skier's thumb). If the tear is partial, and the thumb is not too loose, you can be placed in a cast or a modified wrist splint (called a thumb spica). If the tear is complete or if you have significant instability due to the tear, surgery may be required.

It can: There is an injury called a gamekeepers thumb aka skiers thumb. It is a tear of a very important ligament in the thumb that provides stability for pinch (ulnar collateral ligament). See a hand surgeon, this should be fixed within 10 days of the injury.

Tear: If the ligament is completely torn or has a piece of bone attached to it that is displaced it may require surgery. Certain ligament tears can be treated without surgery.

Often yes: Ligament injuries to thumb can be minor, such as a sprain (partial tear), which only requires immobilization. More extensive injuries, like a radial or ulnar collateral ligament tear, require surgical treatment. See a board certified orthopaedic surgeon for evaluation and treatment.