Skip to main content
Professional Technical IVT

Stener lesion

Pronunciation: STAY-ner

Displacement of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb over the adductor aponeurosis.

Full Definition

A Stener lesion is a specific type of gamekeeper's thumb injury where the torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint becomes displaced superficial to the adductor pollicis aponeurosis. This displacement prevents the ligament from healing in its proper anatomical position, creating a mechanical block to reduction. The condition requires surgical repair because the interposed aponeurosis prevents spontaneous healing. The lesion is named after Bengt Stener, who first described this anatomical variant. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring MRI or surgical exploration for confirmation.

Usage

Usage note: Capitalize as it is an eponym named after Bengt Stener.

In Context

  • "MRI findings were consistent with a Stener lesion requiring surgical repair rather than conservative treatment." — Radiology interpretation
  • "Intraoperative findings confirmed a Stener lesion with the UCL displaced over the adductor aponeurosis." — Operative findings

Also known as

displaced UCL tear

Don't confuse with

simple UCL sprain gamekeeper's thumb without displacement

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON