Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries
There is a series of tissue, called the ulnar collateral ligament, that helps prevent the thumb from pointing away from the hand. There are two major types of injuries that affect the ulnar collateral ligament; they are called skier's thumb, and gamekeeper's thumb. Skier's thumb injury is more acute and it is usually caused by a skier falling while his or her hand is still on the pole. Gamekeeper's thumb, on the other hand, is a chronic injury in which the ulnar collateral ligament is loosened over time.