Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint collateral ligament injury management.

The thumb collateral ligaments at the metacarpophalangeal joint are important to the elite athlete for precision grip and pinch. Injuries to these ligaments can result in pain and instability and are seen at a higher frequency at the elite level. Whereas the collateral ligament tears used to be associated primarily with recreational skier's injury, these injuries have been reported with increasing frequency in major professional sports. The ulnar collateral and radial collateral ligament injuries of the thumb occur through different mechanisms and are described in separate sections given the differences in their anatomy.