Modified Eaton-Littler’s Reconstruction for Traumatic Dislocation of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb—A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Isolated traumatic dislocation of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is an uncommon injury. Left untreated, resulting mechanical instability of this joint interferes with normal function of the hand and can lead to articular degeneration of the joint. Most are amenable to closed reduction with or without supplementary pinning. We present a case of a 21 year old female patient with continual instability of the carpometacarpal joint of her right thumb, following closed reduction and pinning. Surgical stabilization was achieved by anterior oblique ligament reconstruction using a Modified Eaton- Littler’s technique. At 1 year follow-up evaluation the patient was pain free with no clinico-radiological evidence of instability.

Keywords

Carpometacarpal joint - Dislocation - Thumb - Anterior oblique ligament - Ligament reconstruction

Author’s contributions

Mr. Karthikeyan Iyengar—1st Author of case report, performed the operation, involved in writing 1st draft of case report, literature search.

Dr. Surya Gandham–2nd Author of case report and corresponding author, involved in writing 1st draft of case report, supplying figures. (Apartment 5,5 Alexandra Drive, Liverpool, United Kingdom, L178TA. Email: [e-mail] Tel:[phone])

Mr. Jayant Nadkarni–3 rd Author of case report – involved in 2nd draft of case report and reviewing draft.

Mr. William Loh–Supervising Orthopaedic Consultant, performed the operation, reviewed 2nd draft of case report.

Miss Priya Gandham–Anatomical illustrator for figures.

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