Thumb UCL repair surgery is the procedure used to treat Gamekeeper’s Thumb. If the ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb is completely torn, the patient will most likely need to have thumb UCL repair. A torn ligament cannot heal fully on its own. This procedure is an outpatient procedure performed at Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center.
The orthopedic hand surgeon will make a small ‘V’ or ‘S’ shaped incision on the back of the thumb. The surgeon then looks at the exposed joint and locates the damaged ligaments and any other soft tissue damage. The damaged ligaments are repaired by anchoring them back to the bone with sutures. At the end of surgery, the incision is closed with sutures and bandaged. The patient is encouraged to go to hand therapy to regain thumb strength and function.
If you have questions, or to make an appointment, call: 404-778-3350.