Gamekeeper's thumb: Ligament localisation by echography

Abstract

Twenty-one patients presenting clinically with a lesion of the ulnar collateral ligament complex of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint of the thumb underwent prospective diagnostic echography, in order to recognize the possible dislocation of the ligament over the adductor aponeurosis (Stener's lesion). Seven patients were treated surgically, the others conservatively. The accuracy of the echography was controlled by surgery and by the follow-up. We determined 15 true negatives, 4 true positives, 2 false positives, there was no false negative. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic aid in differentiating the ruptured non-displaced ligament from the true Stener's lesion, solely requiring surgical repartir.