The Stener lesion revisited: a case report

Proximal displacement of a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of a thumb (Stener lesion) can result in chronic instability if left untreated. Rupture without displacement generally leads to complete recovery. An associated fracture can give information about the position of the ruptured ligament. However, 2 cases are presented demonstrating that displacement of the ligament can occur in the absence of displacement of the bony fragment. This suggests that physical examination is required to determine stability with injuries to the ulnar structures of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.