Thumb Ligament Anatomy

The joint that is affected is called the metacarpophalangeal joint or mcp joint. Valgus laxity in both flexion and extension is indicative of a complete ucl rupture.

Understanding Drew Brees Thumb Injury What S The Ucl How

Introduction no structure in the human body has an anatomy as intricate or a range of motion as complex as the thumb.

Thumb ligament anatomy. Any hard force on the thumb that pulls the thumb away from the hand called a valgus force can cause damage to the ulnar collateral ligaments. Anatomically the thumb is compromised of the metacarpal connected to the trapezium a carpal bone in the wrist. Collateral ligament injuries cause instability of thumb grip and pinch.

Accessory collateral ligament and volar plate resists valgus load with thumb in extension. Ucl is composed of proper collateral ligament resists valgus load with thumb in flexion. This tendon also travels along the back of the thumb and helps straighten the thumb but it connects the muscle in the back of the forearm to the bone at the tip of the thumb.

This first metacarpal connects to the proximal phalanx. Most frequently the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint is affected 13 13 1821. The collateral ligament complex is the main stabilizer of the metacarpophalangeal and the interphalangeal joints of the thumb 1318.

It connects the muscle in the back of the forearm to the bone in the middle of the thumb. Anatomy and spectrum of findings in asymptomatic volunteers. The concept is similar to that of volar ligament reconstruction except that the tendon is routed obliquely through the base of the thumb metacarpal and exits dorsally approximately 1 cm distal to the articular surface and perpendicular to the plane of the thumbnail.

The ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal mp joints proximal interphalangeal pip joints distal interphalangeal dip joints and the interphalangeal ip joint of the thumb are all very similar in configuration. It is an often encountered injury and can lead to chronic pain and instability when diagnosed incorrectly. The ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint is typically striated and less than 3 mm thick.

The ligaments and pulleys of the thumb show considerable variability on mri in healthy volunteers. However their pathology can be different. Mri of the thumb.

Recognize normal morphologic variations of the relevant thumb tendons and ligaments to facilitate accurate and confident diagnoses of thumb soft tissue abnormalities. When the thumb is straight the collateral ligaments are tight and stabilize the joint against valgus force. Skiers thumb is a partial or complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb.

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