Thumb UCL Stress Test
(Redirected from UCL Stress Test (Thumb))
Other Names
- Thumb Abduction Stress Test
- Thumb MCP Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Test
- Valgus stress test thumb
- Valgus stress test UCL
Purpose
- Evaluate the integrity of Ulnar Collateral Ligament (Thumb) at the thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Description
- The patient is seated or standing
- Examiner grasps the thumb at the metacarpal and proximal phalanx maintaining the MCP joint in extension
- The examiner then applies an ulnar stress by abducting the proximal phalanx relative to the metacarpal
- Angle of assessment
- Joint should be assessed in full extension to evaluate both the proper and accessory collateral ligament
- At 30° flexion, primarily stresses the proper collateral ligament
- Comparison should be made to unaffected thumb
- Positive test:
- Increased pain with abduction
- Lack of clear end point
- Laxity compared to other thumb, typically > 30°
Pathology
Evidence
- Rashidi et al SR/MA[3]
- Sensitivity: 97%
- Specificity: 85%
See Also
References
- ↑ Leggit JC et al. Acute finger injuries: Part II. Fractures, dislocations, and thumb injuries. Am Fam Physician. 2006;73(5):827-834
- ↑ Poggi, Domenico Sergio, Massimo Massarella, and Eleonora Piccirilli. "The treatment of chronic ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb injury using extensor pollicis brevis: Surgical technique." Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online 3.1 (2021): 56-60.
- ↑ Rashidi, Ali, et al. "Evidence-based use of clinical examination, ultrasonography, and MRI for diagnosing ulnar collateral ligament tears of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb: systematic review and meta-analysis." European Radiology 31 (2021): 5699-5712.