I love professional football. My wife and I watch with rapt attention every chance we get. The injury to Drew Brees' thumb, the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, makes it nearly impossible to grip or grasp. That ligament stabilizes the thumb on the side towards the index finger.
Stabilization of that ligament will make Drew Brees' return to football
possible in approximately six weeks. A primary repair of the ligament, possibly
augmented with additional internal bracing material, makes it possible for the
thumb to regain normal stability in approximately six weeks.
The operation to repair the ligament takes approximately one hour. Restoring
normal anatomy and stability is the goal. Allowing the ligament to heal
naturally after repair takes approximately four to six weeks of immobilization,
followed by therapy and increased activity.
This is a common injury that we routinely treat at Resurgens orthopedics, and
most often happens with forced extension, and injuries while skiing, or playing
other sports.
If this happens to you, let us know. We will do our best to get you back to
activity as soon as possible. We wish Drew Brees well in his recovery.