Non-Biological Reconstruction of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objective The present retrospective analysis compares postoperative results of non-biological ligament reconstruction (NBLR) for chronic injuries involving the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

Materials and Methods A total of 18 patients with MCPJ injury underwent static non-biological ligament reconstruction and were included in this retrospective case-control analysis. Preoperative, postoperative, and contralateral thumb measurements (clinical, radiological, and subjective outcome questionnaires) were compared over a mean follow-up of 38 months.

Results For the NBLR, the average postoperative ranges of motion of the MCPJs and the interphalangeal joints were of 0 to 57.5° and 0 to 71° respectively. The average grip strength was of 103.3%, and the average pinch strength was of 88.7% relative to the unaffected hand. The subjects demonstrated stability with a firm endpoint comparable to unaffected thumb. The average score on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire among all patients was of 11.9 for the disability/symptom module, 0 for the sports module, and 16.5 for the work module. Stiffness was reported in four patients, and no wound issues or other complications were registered.

Conclusions The NBLR of the UCL of the thumb yields acceptable short-term outcomes, which may enable a faster recovery and reincorporation into daily activities compared with biological repairs.

Keywords

thumb - ligament - metacarpophalangeal joint - reconstruction

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 15. Februar 2023

Angenommen: 01. April 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
07. Juni 2024

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