- Injuries to the TFCC and UCL of the thumb often occur in sports and can result in lost playing time and poor performance for the athlete. Proper management is critical for the long-term health and performance for these athletes. However, athletic trainers and other healthcare providers may not have a full understanding of the non-operative and operative management techniques available. This program will look to identify important anatomy and outline how to make a diagnosis based on physical exam. It will also compare current operative and non-operative treatments as well as summarize what surgical techniques are being performed and proper management for post-operative care.
- Injuries to the Triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist (TFCC) and the Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) of the thumb are somewhat common in the athletic community with a high potential for long-term detrimental effects. Despite the knowledge about these injuries, not enough time is spent on how to effectively manage them from the athletic trainers and other healthcare providers level of care. This program will explain how to identify these injuries and determine if a referral is indicated, demonstrate different effective splinting and taping techniques, as well as how to integrate and design an effective rehabilitation program to treat these injuries.
MaineGeneral Sports Medicine & Colby College Sports Medicine offer TFCC & UCL of the Thumb
CAT A Presentation
On-Demand
- John Thaller, MD, MaineGeneral Orthopedics
- Emily Staples, ATC MaineGeneral Sports Medicine
Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to:
• Identify relevant anatomy and biomechanics of TFCC and UCL.
• Perform a physical exam for the TFCC and UCL of the thumb.
• Identify appropriate non-operative and operative treatment options.
• Assess current surgical techniques for both TFCC and UCL repair.
• Outline post-operative management and return to play.
• Integrate correct splinting /taping for injuries to the TFCC.
• Integrate correct splinting/taping for injuries to the UCL of the thumb.
• Design and apply a comprehensive rehabilitation program to treat injuries to the wrist and TFCC.
• Design and apply a comprehensive rehabilitation program to treat injuries to the thumb and UCL.
According to the education levels described by the PDC, the following continuing education course is considered to be Advanced.
Credits Awarded
CEUs awarded: 2 CAT A CEUs
MaineGeneral Medical Center (BOC AP#: P2258) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Certified Athletic Trainers. This program is eligible for a maximum of (2) CAT A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
