Question

A 24-year-old woman presents with right thumb pain. She recently fell while skiing. On examination, she has swelling and tenderness over the base of the thumb on the ulnar side. She has weakness when pinching an object between her thumb and index finger. Which of the following structures is most likely to be injured?

a) Extensor pollicis brevis
b) Extensor pollicis longus
c) Radial collateral ligament
d) Ulnar collateral ligament

Answer 1

The most likely injured structure in this case is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. The UCL provides stability to the thumb joint and prevents hyperextension. Treatment options for a UCL injury include immobilization, rest, and physical therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure that is most likely to be injured in this case is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb. The UCL is a triangular ligament located on the medial (ulnar) side of the thumb. It provides stability to the thumb joint, prevents hyperextension, and allows for proper grip and pinching motions.

In this case, the patient's symptoms of swelling and tenderness over the base of the thumb on the ulnar side, along with weakness in pinching between the thumb and index finger, are consistent with an injury to the UCL. This type of injury is commonly seen in sports activities that involve repetitive thumb movements or forceful thumb gripping, such as skiing.

Treatment for a UCL injury typically involves conservative measures such as immobilization, rest, ice, and physical therapy. In severe cases or if conservative treatment fails, surgical repair or reconstruction of the ligament may be necessary.