Differential Diagnosis for Inability to Bend/Flex Thumb after Repeat Traumas
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Gamekeeper's thumb (Ulnar collateral ligament injury): This condition is a common injury in individuals who experience repeat traumas to the thumb, such as athletes. The ulnar collateral ligament is crucial for thumb stability, especially during flexion and opposition movements. Injury to this ligament can lead to difficulty bending or flexing the thumb.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Thumb sprain: A sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which can occur due to repeat traumas. A thumb sprain could limit the range of motion, particularly in flexion.
- Flexor pollicis longus tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendon responsible for thumb flexion. Repeat traumas or overuse can lead to tendonitis, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Thumb fracture (non-displaced): A non-displaced fracture might not be immediately apparent but could cause significant pain and limited mobility, especially if the fracture involves the joints or the base of the thumb.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Infection (e.g., septic arthritis): Although less likely, an infection within the thumb joint could present with pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe consequences, including joint destruction and systemic infection.
- Neurological injury (e.g., digital nerve damage): Damage to the nerves supplying the thumb could result in numbness, weakness, and limited mobility. This would be a critical diagnosis not to miss, as timely intervention could prevent permanent damage.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Tumors (e.g., osteochondroma, giant cell tumor): Although rare, tumors affecting the thumb bones or surrounding tissues could cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic): Certain types of arthritis could present with sudden onset of symptoms in the thumb, including limited flexion, although this would typically be accompanied by other systemic or joint symptoms.