Information for patients
This leaflet can be made available in other formats including large print, CD and Braille and in languages other than English, upon request.
What is an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair?
The ulnar collateral ligament is a strong band of tissue which is attached to the middle joint of the thumb on the inside.
The ligament can be damaged due to direct injury to the thumb forcing it away from the hand or a fall onto your hand with the thumb stretched out.
You have had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament of your thumb which involves reconnecting the ligament to the bone to restore its stability.
Following the ligament repair you will be in a cast for 4 weeks, and then you will start regular hand therapy to improve movement, strength and function.
You will wear a splint and be given exercises to improve the movement without risking the repair.
What can I expect after Ulnar Collateral Repair?
- A bulky cast for 2 weeks.
- 2 weeks after surgery the bulky cast will be changed for a light cast and your wound will be checked.
- Swelling around the area of injury. This is normal and should reduce over time. Elevating your hand above your heart can reduce this.
- Pain can be normal immediately after surgery. Please discuss this with your Hand Therapist.
- To have an appointment in Hand Therapy at 4 weeks.
How do I care for my wound?
Please do not remove the cast/dressing yourself.
2 weeks after your operation, you will be seen in the plaster room to remove the bulky cast, check your wound and a light weight cast will be fitted.
You will have stitches in the skin which are either dissolvable (dissolves in 2 to 3 weeks) or removable and they will be taken out at your wound check appointment between 10 and 14 days, after your operation.
It is very important that you monitor your wound for signs of infection e.g. redness, swelling, oozing and smell. If you spot any of these signs, contact your Hand Therapist, GP or Urgent Care centre as soon as possible.
After 4 weeks you will have your first appointment with the hand therapy team. The light weight cast will be replaced by a custom-made splint and you will be advised on scar management.
How do I care for my splint?
Your Hand Therapist will provide you with a plastic splint which will protect your thumb during the healing process.
It is held tight with Velcro and must be worn at all times for 2 weeks, you must not use your injured hand while wearing the splint.
- DO NOT remove the splint.
- Keep the splint clean and dry – cover in a plastic bag for showering/bathing.
- DO NOT try to make changes to your splint.
- Keep away from sources of heat.
- You may clean the outside with baby wipes/a damp cloth.
Please be aware that wearing a splint continuously can cause irritation to the skin on your hand. You may notice some rubbing or digging in. If this becomes red, dry or blistered please contact your Hand Therapist.
What exercises can I do?
After your operation you will follow a strict exercise programme for 12 weeks. At your first appointment with the Hand Therapist, you will be given specific thumb and hand exercises which should be completed regularly. Please do not try your own exercises, as this could cause damage to the ligament.
When can I return to normal activites?
Your repaired ligament is weak for about 12 weeks after the operation and care has to be taken to protect it. You will be guided by your Hand Therapist as to when you can return to normal activities, the table below gives you some examples.
| LIGHT (6 weeks) | MEDIUM (8 weeks) | HEAVY (12 weeks) |
| Personal Washing/Shaving/Make-Up Putting on light clothes Fastening zips/buttons Combing hair Tying shoes | Domestic Sweeping up Unscrewing jars/tins Hanging washing out Washing up and wiping Ring pull can opening Using a knife/fork/spoon but not cutting meat | Manual Hand washing or wringing out clothes Using a knife Gardening Carrying shopping Lifting boxes Ironing |
| Other Activities Reading newspaper Playing cards Using telephone Handling money Using remote control Writing and typing Dusting Switching on light switch | Other Activities Holding a pint of liquid or a cup of tea Using scissors Using a towel Opening and closing door handles Using key to open doors Driving Putting on socks Reading a book | Cooking and lifting pans and kettle Making bed Vacuuming Lifting children Lifting heavy objects Cleaning car Decorating Sports – golf/swimming/gym/cycling/ running/football/rugby |
Do I need to take time off work?
Your therapist will discuss with you when it is best to return back to your normal work and hobbies. Please speak to your G.P, if you require a sick note. The table below details when you may expect to return.
| Type of Work/Activity | Estimated time off |
| Office based | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Driving | 8 weeks |
| Manual work/Sport | 12 weeks |
Contact Details
Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions.
Contact details are:
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Hand Therapy Team
Telephone: 01429 522 471
Monday to Friday 08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.
You will be asked to attend either:
North Tees Site:
Hand Therapy
1st Floor, North Wing
University Hospital of North Tees
Hardwick Road
Stockton-On-Tees
TS19 8PE
OR
Hartlepool Site:
Physiotherapy Outpatients Department
Ground Floor
University Hospital of Hartlepool
Holdforth Road
Hartlepool TS24 9AH
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience
We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:
Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet reference: PIL1535
Date for Review: August 2027