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Gamekeeper's Thumb Test

Other Names Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Laxity or Instability test
Examination type Ligamentous laxity, joint stability
Patient & Body Segment Positioning Patient sits with forearm in neutral and hand supported in a relaxed position on the table surface.
Examiner Position Sitting or standing in front of the involved hand, the examiner stabilizes the patients palm with one hand and just above the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb being tested with the other hand.  The thumb of the hand stabilizing the palm should be placed on the lateral side of the patient’s MCP join to act as a fulcrum during the test.
Performing the Test The examiner apples a valgus stress to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb which stresses the ulnar collateral ligament.
Tissues Being Tested Ulnar Collateral Ligament of thumb, volar plate, joint capsule
Positive Test Pain and/or excessive opening at the joint
Interpretation If Valgus stress is more than 35°, it indicates a tear of the ulnar collateral and accessory collateral ligaments.  Pain in the region with no joint laxity indicates a sprain (10 or 20) of the ulnar collateral ligament.
Common errors in performing exam Applying stress at the wrong joint; not allowing patient to relax
Factors possibly resulting in misinterpretation A non-displaced avulsion fracture may also cause these signs and symptoms.
Related tests

Compression test to rule out fracture, ligamentous instability test for fingers

 
References Magee, David J. (2002). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier
Links: http://www.emedicine.com/orthoped/topic112.htm
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