Acute finger and thumb injuries of the ligament and tendons are common. Indeed, a cross-sectional study in 2012 showed that they accounted for 38.4% of all upper extremity injury visits to the emergency room in the USA. Understanding the anatomy and mechanical functions of tendons and ligaments in the digits is crucial for recognising various types of injuries and their treatment. Treating an athlete with such conditions comes with the added pressure of ensuring a timely return to play. This review will cover the anatomy, diagnoses and management of select tendinous and ligamentous injuries of the fingers and thumb seen in athletes.
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