Skier’s thumb is an acute partial or complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) due to a hyperabduction trauma of the thumb.
It is important to note that this injury is not exclusive to skiers and can occur to anyone where there is an extreme valgus stress force applied to the thumb in abduction and extension or small repetitive valgus stress force. This type of injury is also seen in other sports, especially those that use a stick or ball, such as hockey or basketball.
Preventive measures should include instruction in proper pole technique for powder skiing, avoidance of pole dragging and deep pole plants, and downsizing baskets from the standard 4-inch diameter to 2.5-inches. Pole length should be 2 inches shorter than the recommended length for that skier.
Strapless poles do not reduce the chance of injuries, but if skiers are trained to discard the pole during a fall the risk might be reduced.
The risk of injury can be further reduced by wearing a properly designed ski-glove which not only prevents extreme movement of the thumb but also incorporates a mechanism for the ejection of the ski-pole.
In the event you do sustain a skier’s thumb injury, book in to see one of our experienced hand therapists today!
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