To understand the origin of this term, picture a gamekeeper whose thumb is straining from the pull of his animal s leash. This type of sprain to the thumb ligament will cause you to partially or totally lose your ability hold items between your thumb and index finger. The injury may not hurt immediately, but it can cause bruising, tenderness and swelling. If you have these symptoms, please see a doctor right away to avoid long-term weakness, pain and instability. X-rays, ultrasonography or an MRI will reveal what the joint looks like, and what treatment you will need.
Most thumb injuries are partial tears.
In this case, your thumb joint can be immobilized for a few weeks with a splint or bandage. After a series of rehabilitation exercises, your thumb will probably function normally again with no further problems. Sometimes, however, this ligament is completely torn and the bone may even be fragmented. In this case, surgery is mandatory to put all the pieces back together properly. When meticulously and promptly performed, surgery should result in no future complications or impairments.