Gamekeeper’s Thumb and Skier’s Thumb: UCL Injuries Explained

Last updated: 5 August 2026

Anatomy and Pathology

Understanding the underlying anatomy helps patients appreciate why certain symptoms occur and why specific treatments are recommended. The hand and wrist contain a complex network of bones, joints, tendons, nerves, and ligaments that must work together smoothly for normal function.

When any of these structures are damaged or diseased, the resulting symptoms can significantly affect hand function. A surgeon use detailed anatomical knowledge to plan precise treatments that address the root cause of your symptoms.

Clinical Assessment

Your consultation begins with a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily activities. This is followed by a thorough physical examination of your hand and wrist.

Practitioners perform specific clinical tests to help confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition. The in-clinic ultrasound scanner allows us to visualise the affected structures in real time, often providing a definitive diagnosis during your first visit.

Conservative Management

Where appropriate, the evidence supports starting with non-surgical treatment. This may include custom thermoplastic splinting fabricated by our hand therapists, targeted exercises, ergonomic advice, oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications, and ultrasound-guided injections.

Our ultrasound-guided injection service uses real-time imaging to place medication precisely at the target site. This improves the effectiveness of the injection and reduces the risk of side effects compared to traditional landmark-guided techniques.

Surgical Treatment

When surgery is the best option, surgeons use the most appropriate technique for your specific condition. Clinics offer a range of procedures from minimally invasive percutaneous techniques to complex reconstructive surgery.

Many procedures can be performed using the wide-awake local anaesthetic technique (WALANT), which avoids the need for general anaesthesia. This approach has an excellent safety profile and allows most patients to go home within an hour of surgery.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Structured rehabilitation is essential for achieving the best possible outcome after hand surgery.

Your rehabilitation plan will include wound management, oedema control, scar therapy, range of motion exercises, and progressive strengthening. We monitor your progress closely and adjust the programme as needed to ensure optimal recovery.

Long-term outcomes

The majority of patients who undergo treatment for this condition achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and function. A surgeon will discuss the expected outcomes for your specific situation, including any lifestyle modifications that may help maintain the results long term.

Clinics provide comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your progress and address any concerns. A clinical team is available throughout your recovery to answer questions and provide support.

Get in Touch

To arrange a consultation with one of our hand surgery specialists, please contact us today. Clinics offer convenient appointment times and rapid access to expert assessment.

Telephone, | Email, hello@axiomaesthetics. Co. Uk