"Gamekeeper's thumb". Injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

The condition of chronic instability of the MP (metacarpophalangeal) joint of the thumb, may be the resultant of chronic strain of the ulnar collateral liga- ment of the MP joint.This condition was described in Scottish gamekeepers who used to kill hunted animals by a special manoeuvre subjecting the thumb to extension abduction force, and was termed "Gamekeeper's Thumb" (Campbell, 1955).Nowadays, such a chronic strain has been replaced by relatively frequent acute strains and tears subjected to the thumb during sport activities.The MP joint of the thumb, being a vulnerable one, is subjected to trauma on falling down with arms extended, during hand ball or volley-ball