What ligament does the "Skier’s Thumb" test specifically stress during assessment?

"Skier's Thumb," also known as gamekeeper's thumb, refers to an injury to the thumb that commonly results from a forceful abduction and extension injury, typically while the thumb is in use with ski poles. The specific ligament that is stressed during the assessment is the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

When performing a test for Skier's Thumb, the clinician applies a valgus stress to the thumb while stabilizing the metacarpal, which exaggerates the tension on the UCL. A positive test indicates a possible tear or sprain of this ligament. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for accurate diagnosis and for designing appropriate rehabilitation strategies for affected individuals.

In contrast, other ligaments mentioned in the options serve different functions. The Radial Collateral Ligament provides stability on the lateral side of the joint but is not involved in this specific injury. The Annular Ligament surrounds the flexor tendons at the base of the fingers, while the Palmar Ligament plays a role in joint stabilization but is not the focus in the context of Skier’s Thumb. Thus, the Ulnar Collateral Ligament is the primary structure of concern during