Gamekeeper’s Thumb with Stener Lesion in a High School Football Player: A Case Study

Authors

  • Rachel Gordon University of South Carolina
  • Rebecca Hirschhorn Auburn University
  • Allison Smith University of South Carolina
  • Sonya Fuemmeler Hammond School
  • Amy Hand University of South Carolina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31622/2022/0005.02.7

Keywords:

Diagnostic Testing and Physical Examination: Upper Extremity, Secondary Schools Patient Population

Abstract

This disablement model case study outlines a unique thumb pathology of a high school football player in his non-dominant hand and will detail the benefits of quick referrals for patient with extreme laxity and swelling around the 1st metacarpal. Initially, the patient presented with laxity of the 1st metacarpophalangeal joint and swelling along the 1st metacarpal. Radiographs showed floating bone fragments in the first metacarpophalangeal joint indicating Gamekeeper’s Thumb, an acute injury to the 1st metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament, complicated by a Stener lesion, requiring surgical repair. The patient was scheduled for surgery in the following week and was casted for four weeks which posed many physical, occupational, and social problems. Many 1st metacarpal injuries may present similarly making it important to be familiar with the structure and function of the 1st metacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint and concomitant injuries that may occur in the surrounding area. A Stener lesion is often missed due to the evaluator assuming that the injury is a basic 1st metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament sprain.  The best way to rule in or out the involvement of a Stener lesion is by radiograph; therefore, it is in the best interest of the athlete to refer for a radiograph anytime a grade III ulnar collateral ligament sprain of the 1st metacarpophalangeal joint is suspected. Furthermore, the main purpose of this paper is to detail the importance of a quick referral when there is little to no ability to use the thumb and the effects the lack of movement can have on a young student-athlete.

Author Biographies

Rebecca Hirschhorn, Auburn University

Rebecca Hirschhorn graduated from the University of South Carolina with a PhD in Exercise Science and is currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Warrior Research Center in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from James Madison University and Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of South Carolina.

 

Allison Smith, University of South Carolina

Allison Smith is a fourth year doctoral candidate pursuing her PhD in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. She earned a Master of Science in Allied Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training both from Otterbein University.

Sonya Fuemmeler, Hammond School

Sonya Fuemmeler earned her Master of Science in Physical Education (emphasis in Athletic Training) from the University of South Carolina and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training with a minor in Nutrition from Southeast Missouri State University. She is currently the Head Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Director at Hammond School in Columbia, SC.

Amy Hand, University of South Carolina

Amy Fraley Hand earned her PhD in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (Athletic Training) from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Clinical Education Coordinator of the Professional Athletic Training Program at the University of South Carolina.

Downloads

Published

2022-09-09

Issue

Section

Disablement Model Case Study