Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What is the most common ligament injury in the hand?

1. Volarly plate injury

2. Collateral ligament injury at PIP

3. Thumb UCL injury

4. Triangular fibrocartilage injury

The correct answer is: Collateral ligament injury at PIP

The most common ligament injury in the hand is a collateral ligament injury at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This injury often occurs during activities that involve a sudden or forceful impact on the finger, such as catching a ball, resulting in the lateral stability of the joint being compromised. The collateral ligaments are crucial for preventing excessive sideways motion of the finger, and damage to these structures can result in pain, swelling, and instability of the affected joint. Collateral ligament injuries at the PIP joint are frequently encountered in clinical practice, especially among athletes and active individuals. The management of these injuries typically involves immobilization, rehabilitation for strength and mobility, and occasionally surgical intervention if the injury is severe. While other ligament injuries in the hand, such as those involving the volar plate, the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), or the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), are also significant, they occur with less frequency compared to collateral ligament injuries at the PIP joint. Thus, this makes it essential to recognize and understand the prevalence of collateral ligament injuries when assessing hand injuries in various populations.