Patients › Hand
Reparo do ligamento colateral ulnar do polegar
Por que esta cirurgia foi recomendada¶
O Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirurgião de membros superiores no Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, adapta o tratamento à sua lesão específica. O ligamento envolvido fica no lado interno do polegar, na articulação onde o polegar se encontra com a mão. Esta operação repara esse ligamento para que a articulação volte a ficar estável.
Geralmente começamos com o tratamento não cirúrgico. Em um rompimento parcial, um gesso ou uma tala pode manter o polegar imobilizado enquanto ele cicatriza, e isso muitas vezes resulta em um polegar estável e sem dor. Mas, quando o ligamento se rompe por completo, muitas vezes ele não cicatriza sozinho. Cerca de 75% dos rompimentos completos não cicatrizam apenas com o uso de tala. A extremidade rompida do ligamento também pode sair do lugar, o que a impede de se unir novamente ao osso. Se um rompimento como esse não for tratado, pode causar dor a longo prazo e dificuldade para usar o polegar.
A cirurgia pode ser recomendada de imediato para um rompimento completo, ou depois que a tala não trouxe melhora suficiente. O objetivo é um polegar estável, sem dor e forte o bastante para segurar objetos e fazer pinça. A dor e a função relatadas pelos pacientes melhoram aos três e aos 12 meses após o reparo, em comparação com antes da cirurgia.
Antes da operação¶
O seu cirurgião vai planejar a operação usando exames de imagem do seu polegar. Isso geralmente começa com uma radiografia, que pode mostrar alguma pequena fratura no ponto onde o ligamento se soltou. Uma ressonância magnética ou uma ultrassonografia também pode ser usada para mostrar o próprio ligamento e confirmar se a extremidade rompida saiu do lugar.
Antes da cirurgia, você receberá instruções claras. Você não deve comer nas sete horas antes da operação. Isso permite que a sua cirurgia seja antecipada caso a lista do centro cirúrgico se adiante. Talvez você precise suspender alguns medicamentos, e o seu cirurgião dirá quais e quando. Leve uma lista de tudo o que você toma. Combine com alguém para levar você de carro para casa depois, e use roupas largas e confortáveis.
Caso tenha outras condições médicas, poderão ser necessários exames de sangue ou uma avaliação com o anestesista.
No dia da cirurgia¶
Você chegará à unidade de admissão cirúrgica do hospital, onde será registrado e preparado para a sala de operações. Lá você conhecerá o anestesista. Esta operação é realizada sob anestesia geral. Às vezes, é adicionado um bloqueio nervoso regional para alívio da dor pós-operatória; o anestesista conversará sobre isso com você no próprio dia.
Em seguida, você é levado para a sala de operações, onde a cirurgia é realizada. Depois, você acordará na sala de recuperação, onde as enfermeiras acompanham você enquanto a anestesia vai passando. Uma vez estabilizado, você será encaminhado para o quarto ou irá para casa, dependendo do procedimento e da sua recuperação.
O que envolve a operação¶
O seu cirurgião faz um pequeno corte na lateral do polegar, no ponto onde o ligamento se soltou. Por meio desse corte, ele encontra a extremidade rompida do ligamento e prepara um pequeno ponto no osso onde ele estava preso antes. O ligamento é então costurado de volta nesse ponto usando uma pequena âncora colocada no osso. Isso mantém o ligamento no lugar enquanto ele cicatriza de volta no osso.
Se o ligamento estiver rompido há muito tempo, as extremidades podem estar desgastadas demais para serem costuradas. Nesse caso, o seu cirurgião pode reconstruir o ligamento usando um tendão próximo do seu próprio polegar, dobrado para formar uma nova faixa que se une ao osso dos dois lados da articulação. Se o ligamento tiver se soltado junto com um pequeno pedaço de osso, esse fragmento é fixado de volta no lugar com uma pequena placa e parafusos.
Alguns reparos são reforçados com uma fita em formato de tira, costurada ao lado do ligamento. Essa fita funciona como uma corda de segurança temporária, dividindo a carga enquanto o ligamento cicatriza. Como ela absorve parte do esforço, o seu polegar pode começar a se mover mais cedo do que com o reparo isolado.
O seu cirurgião também pode colocar um pequeno pino de metal atravessando a articulação do polegar para mantê-la imobilizada e proteger o reparo de esforços laterais. O pino é retirado mais tarde, quando a cicatrização já estiver em andamento.
O corte é fechado com pontos e coberto com um curativo. Você irá para a sala de recuperação, e a equipe de enfermagem vai acompanhar você enquanto desperta.
Após a operação¶
Você acordará na sala de recuperação e depois irá para o quarto. A sua mão estará em uma tala ou gesso, com curativos sobre a ferida. As enfermeiras vão manter você confortável e dar analgésicos se você precisar. Você pode se levantar e se movimentar assim que se sentir capaz. Alguém deve ficar com você nas primeiras 24 horas em casa. Sua equipe informará se você poderá ir para casa no mesmo dia ou se precisará ficar uma noite no hospital. Deixamos o curativo por cerca de 10 dias; por favor, não o retire antes disso, a menos que receba instruções em contrário. Trocamos ou retiramos o curativo durante as consultas de acompanhamento.
Recuperação¶
O seu polegar ficará dolorido e inchado nos primeiros dias e semanas. Isso melhora gradualmente. Manter a mão elevada quando estiver descansando ajuda, assim como os analgésicos que a sua equipe lhe dá. Você irá para casa com uma tala ou gesso que protege o reparo enquanto ele cicatriza.
A sua rotina do dia a dia muda mais do que você talvez espere. No início, você vai precisar de ajuda com algumas tarefas, principalmente qualquer coisa que exija segurar com firmeza, como abrir potes ou carregar coisas pesadas. A maioria das pessoas percebe que consegue fazer tarefas leves do dia a dia bem cedo, e trabalho de escritório dentro dos prazos mostrados na tabela desta página. A terapia da mão é uma parte importante da sua recuperação. A sua terapeuta da mão, Ruby Doolan, da Extend Rehabilitation, vai orientar os seus exercícios e confeccionar qualquer tala de que você precise enquanto o polegar cicatriza. Os exercícios começam de forma suave e vão progredindo à medida que o reparo se fortalece.
À medida que o inchaço diminui e o movimento retorna, as tarefas do dia a dia ficam mais fáceis. Quando o seu cirurgião estiver satisfeito com a cicatrização do reparo, você vai voltar aos poucos a trabalhos mais pesados, ao esporte e à academia. O resultado final continua melhorando por algum tempo, à medida que a dor diminui e a força volta.
A recuperação varia de pessoa para pessoa. O seu cronograma pode ser diferente dos prazos típicos, e o seu cirurgião e a sua terapeuta guiarão você em cada etapa.
O que pode dar errado¶
A maioria dos pacientes se recupera bem, mas, ocasionalmente, podem surgir problemas. O seu cirurgião e a equipe monitoram você de perto para detectar qualquer problema precocemente.
A ferida pode infeccionar. Você pode notar vermelhidão que se espalha a partir do corte, saída de líquido ou pus por ele, ou uma dor profunda e latejante que não cede com analgésicos comuns. Ligue para a clínica no mesmo dia se notar qualquer um desses sinais.
Às vezes, um pequeno nervo próximo ao polegar é irritado durante a cirurgia. Isso pode causar dormência, formigamento ou uma área de sensibilidade estranha na parte de trás do polegar. Dormência e fraqueza nas primeiras 24 horas após um bloqueio nervoso são esperadas e melhoram à medida que o efeito do bloqueio passa. Se a dormência durar mais do que isso, ligue para a clínica.
A articulação pode ficar um pouco frouxa ou rígida. Algumas pessoas percebem uma dor leve na base do polegar ao fazer pinça ou ao segurar objetos, ou que o polegar não dobra tanto quanto antes. Algumas poucas percebem que a força de preensão não é tão grande quanto antes. Essas mudanças costumam ser leves e muitas vezes melhoram com o tempo e com a terapia da mão. Fale sobre elas na próxima consulta de revisão se estiverem incomodando você.
O próprio reparo pode falhar. Isso é incomum, mas uma queda ou uma pancada no polegar nas primeiras semanas pode forçar ou romper novamente o ligamento em cicatrização. Você sentiria dor súbita, inchaço e a sensação de que o polegar está cedendo. Ligue para a clínica se isso acontecer.
Se um pino de metal tiver sido usado para manter a articulação imobilizada, a pele ao redor dele pode ficar irritada ou infeccionar. Vermelhidão, sensibilidade ou saída de líquido ao redor do local do pino devem ser informadas à clínica no mesmo dia.
A tabela de complicações nesta página lista as taxas típicas, caso você queira informações mais detalhadas.
Quando nos contactar¶
A maioria das pessoas se recupera sem problemas, mas alguns sinais precisam de atenção rápida.
Vá ao pronto-socorro se tiver inchaço ou dor na panturrilha, ou falta de ar ou dor no peito. Esses podem ser sinais de um coágulo sanguíneo. Vá ao pronto-socorro se o seu polegar, a sua mão ou os seus dedos ficarem pálidos, frios, brancos, azulados ou escuros.
Ligue para a clínica no mesmo dia se tiver febre, vermelhidão que se espalha ao redor da ferida, ou saída de líquido ou pus por ela. Ligue para a clínica no mesmo dia se a dor continuar piorando apesar dos analgésicos.
Dormência e fraqueza nas primeiras 24 horas após um bloqueio nervoso são esperadas e melhoram à medida que o efeito passa. Se a dormência durar mais do que isso, ou se você não conseguir mover o polegar, a mão ou os dedos depois que o efeito do bloqueio tiver passado, ligue para a clínica.
Se não conseguir falar com a clínica, fora do horário de atendimento ou no fim de semana, vá ao pronto-socorro mais próximo.
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
- A controlled active motion therapy protocol after suture anchor repair of a ruptured UCL of the thumb is safe from a biomechanical point of view [1].
- Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation demonstrates short-term outcomes comparable to what has been reported for other methods of repair [2].
- In patients with chronic UCL reconstructions, there was no significant change in pinch strength [3].
- In patients with chronic UCL reconstructions, significantly better results were achieved in grip strength, flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation [3].
- Acute surgical repair of the torn ulnar collateral ligament can achieve good subjective and objective functional results [4].
- Intraosseous suture anchor repair is a safe and effective method for repair of complete tears of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MP joint [5].
- Late reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MP joint with free tendon graft provided good improvement in stability and strength of the thumb [6].
- Early mobilisation after robust tendon repairs is favoured to avoid tethering of the long tendons of the thumb during the early post-operative period [7].
- In a surgical cohort of active-duty soldiers with thumb MCP UCL injuries, rifle-related injury was the most commonly documented injury mechanism [8].
- Distal placement of the UCL phalangeal insertion restricted flexion motion from a mean of 57° to 47° [9].
- Avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb IP joint is a previously undescribed injury [10].
- At the last postoperative follow-up (range 6 weeks-6 months), 11 of 12 patients had good to excellent results subjectively and had regained 75% of the strength of the uninjured side [11].
- Arthroscopic reduction of a Stener lesion allows healing of the ulnar collateral ligament without the need for open repair [12].
- Functional and subjective outcomes were good or satisfactory in more than 90% of patients treated with functional bracing [13].
- Pure ligamentous injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb in a child are much less common than epiphyseal fractures [14].
- Rodeo roping thumb injuries emphasize the importance of keeping the thumb upward and clear of the rope to avoid entrapment between the rope and saddle horn [15].
- After undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for thumb ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fractures, patients had relief of thumb pain and pinch strength improved from 36% of the contralateral side to 89% (p < .01) [17].
- The use of interference screws for fixation of tendon grafts to bone for hand ligament reconstructions is a promising new surgical technique [18].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Osseous Anatomy & Kinematics¶
- The skeleton of the hand consists of 27 bones, of which 19 are long bones [32].
- The thumb ray (first ray) is the shortest and consists of only three bones: a metacarpal and two phalanges [32].
- The thumb metacarpal makes an angle of about 45 degrees with the second metacarpal in the sagittal plane [32].
- The trapezium is angled out in front of the carpal plane, allowing the thumb metacarpal to oppose the other four digital rays [32].
- The epiphyseal plates are located at the proximal ends of the phalanges and the first metacarpal [32].
- The thumb metacarpal is independent and articulates with the trapezium [43].
- The metacarpophalangeal joints are the keystones of the longitudinal arches of the hand [43].
- The stability of the metacarpophalangeal joints is essential to the support of the longitudinal arch as well as the transverse metacarpal arch [43].
- The thumb ray is more mobile, shorter, and more proximal than the other rays, allowing it to project in front of the plane of the palm [32].
Ligamentous & Soft Tissue Anatomy¶
- The metacarpophalangeal joint is stabilized by collateral ligaments and by the thick volar articular capsule, known as the volar plate [43].
- The lateral accessory ligaments, sagittal bands of the extensor apparatus, and the first annular segment of the flexor tendon pulley insert on the volar plate [43].
- The sagittal band fibers insert onto the volar proximal phalanx and onto the lateral borders of the volar plate [31].
- The sagittal bands form a sling that allows proximal extrinsic extensor tension to be transmitted to the proximal phalanx, permitting metacarpophalangeal joint extension without a tendinous insertion onto the proximal phalanx [31].
- Rupture or attenuation of the sagittal band fibers allows the extrinsic extensor tendon to sublux to the ulnar side of the metacarpal head, causing ulnar deviation of the finger [31].
- The flexor pollicis longus inserts into the proximal base of the thumb distal phalanx and is innervated by the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve [47].
- The flexor pollicis longus flexes both the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb [47].
- The tenosynovial sheath of the flexor pollicis longus is continuous with the radial bursa [47].
- The princeps pollicis artery, a terminal branch of the radial artery, runs along the ulnar side of the first metacarpal bone and along the volar surface of the adductor muscle [44].
- The princeps pollicis artery emerges onto the subcutaneous palmar tissue at the level of the cutaneous flexion crease of the metacarpophalangeal joint [44].
- At the metacarpophalangeal joint level, the princeps pollicis artery divides into two terminal rami, the collateral palmar arteries of the thumb [44].
- An arcade located deep in the flexor tendon joins together the two collateral palmar arteries at the level of the distal metaphysis of the first phalanx [44].
- The dorsal arteries of the thumb originate from palmar arteries (princeps, commissural, or anastomoses of the superficial arcade) at the level of the first metacarpal [44].
- The ulnar dorso-collateral artery generally stems from the princeps pollicis onto the medial border of the neck of the first metacarpal [44].
Pathophysiology & Injury Mechanisms¶
- Acute injuries to the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal joint are the result of a sudden, significant radial force causing abduction of the thumb [20].
- Fractures can occur at the base of the proximal phalanx in association with ruptures of the UCL of the metacarpophalangeal joint [19].
- Proximal phalanx base fractures associated with UCL rupture are caused either by avulsion of the UCL from its insertion or by shearing of the base by the palmar portion of the radial condyle [19].
- In sheared fractures, the fragment does not contain the UCL insertion, and its position is unrelated to the location of the insertion of the UCL [19].
- In avulsion fractures, the position of the bone fragment indicates the location of the end of the ligament [19].
- A displaced ligament (Stener lesion) can occur in the presence of a nondisplaced fracture [19].
- The mechanism of fracture (avulsion vs. shear) cannot be determined by radiographic appearance and is revealed only at surgery by inspecting the bone and its relationship to the end of the ligament [19].
- Supination and flexion of the thumb provided less stability when both components of the UCL were sectioned [20].
- Pronation and supination play a role in the stability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint [20].
- Performing a physical examination to assess instability did not create a Stener lesion if the exam was performed in a controlled, gentle manner with the thumb held without rotation [20].
- A Stener lesion was possible to create during examination only when the thumb was tested in a flexed and supinated position and there was sectioning of the proximal UCL, accessory UCL, and the origin of the ulnar sagittal band at the adductor aponeurosis [20].
- Pure ligamentous injuries of the UCL of the thumb in a child are much less common than epiphyseal fractures [14].
- Traumatic avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb is a previously undescribed injury [10].
- In a surgical cohort of active-duty soldiers with thumb metacarpophalangeal UCL injuries, rifle-related injury was the most commonly documented injury mechanism [8].
Classification¶
- Acute injuries of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are the result of a sudden, significant radial force causing abduction of the thumb [20].
- Fractures can occur at the base of the proximal phalanx in association with ruptures of the UCL of the MCP joint of the thumb [19].
- Proximal phalanx base fractures associated with UCL rupture are either caused by an avulsion of the UCL from its insertion on the proximal phalanx or by the shearing of the base of the proximal phalanx by the palmar portion of the radial condyle with continued displacement after UCL rupture [19].
- A sheared fragment of the proximal phalanx base does not contain the UCL insertion [19].
- If a fragment of bone has been avulsed by the UCL, its position indicates the location of the end of the ligament [19].
- A radiograph can reveal whether the insertion of the ligament is displaced, indicating a Stener lesion [19].
- A displaced ligament can occur in the presence of a nondisplaced fracture [19].
- The mechanism of fracture cannot be determined by radiographic appearance alone [19].
- The mechanism of fracture is revealed only at surgery by inspecting the bone and its relationship to the end of the ligament [19].
- Pure ligamentous injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb in a child do occur, but they are much less common than epiphyseal fractures [14].
- Traumatic avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb is a previously undescribed injury [10].
Clinical Presentation¶
Injury Mechanisms and Epidemiology¶
- Acute thumb UCL injuries are the result of a sudden, significant radial force causing abduction of the thumb [20].
Physical Examination and Diagnostic Findings¶
- Performing a physical examination to assess the amount of instability of an ulnar collateral ligament injury did not create a Stener lesion if the exam was performed in a controlled, gentle manner with the thumb held without rotation [20].
- It was possible to create a Stener lesion during physical examination when the thumb was tested in a flexed and supinated position, but only if there was sectioning of the pUCL, the aUCL, and the origin of the ulnar sagittal band at the adductor aponeurosis [20].
- Thumbs with a stress angle difference of 15° should always be explored for a probable Stener lesion [34].
- Diagnostic ultrasound is a useful, noninvasive tool for assessing the extent of rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament [25].
Radiographic and Anatomical Considerations¶
- These fractures are either caused by an avulsion of the UCL from its insertion on the proximal phalanx or by the shearing of the base of the proximal phalanx by the palmar portion of the radial condyle with continued displacement after UCL rupture [19].
- A radiograph can reveal whether the insertion of the ligament is displaced (Stener lesion) if a fragment of bone has been avulsed by the UCL [19].
- If a fragment has been sheared, its position is unrelated to the location of the insertion of the UCL [19].
- The mechanism of fracture cannot be determined by radiographic appearance and is revealed only at surgery by inspecting the bone and its relationship to the end of the ligament [19].
Investigations¶
- Fluoroscopy, MRI and ultrasound are increasingly being used and evaluated as diagnostic tools for thumb UCL injuries [20].
- If a fragment of bone has been sheared rather than avulsed, its position is unrelated to the location of the insertion of the UCL [19].
- It was possible to create a Stener lesion when the thumb was tested in a flexed and supinated position, but only if there was sectioning of the pUCL, the aUCL, and the origin of the ulnar sagittal band at the adductor aponeurosis [20].
Treatment¶
Operative Repair Techniques¶
- Suture anchor and suture tape augmentation techniques preserve native ligament proprioception while providing additional stability during early healing phases [28].
- At the last postoperative follow-up (range 6 weeks-6 months), 11 of 12 patients treated with an alternative collateral ligament repair method had good to excellent results subjectively and had regained 75% of the strength of the uninjured side [11].
- Both steel wire and simple suture techniques for UCL repair were equally effective, with the steel wire offering no clinical advantage over simple suture [33].
- A novel technique of thumb collateral ligament reconstruction in acute injuries resulted in negative instability tests and satisfying results in terms of motion (ROM loss less than 20%) and grip strength (loss less than 17%) at 3-month follow-up [36].
- In a comparison of acute and chronic UCL injuries, there were no statistically significant differences between operated and contralateral healthy thumb MCP joints in flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, grip strength, or tip pinch strength at final follow-up [27].
- In the avulsion fracture group of a comparative study, reduction was successful and union was observed with no complications such as reduction loss, MCP osteoarthritis, bone necrosis, or non-union [27].
- Ulnar deviation and radial deviation were significantly better in the avulsion group than in the rupture group [27].
- Grip and tip pinch strengths were significantly better in the avulsion group than in the rupture group [27].
Reconstruction Techniques¶
- Late reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MP joint with a free tendon graft provided good improvement in stability and strength of the thumb [6].
Post-operative Management and Rehabilitation¶
- Early mobilization after robust tendon repairs is favored to avoid tethering of the long tendons of the thumb during the early post-operative period [7].
- Immobilization of the MCP joint with a K-wire after surgical repair of the UCL allows return to work within 7 days for 62% of patients who are not manual workers [21].
- In patients with chronic UCL reconstructions, there was no significant change in pinch strength, but significantly better results were achieved in grip strength, flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation [3].
Non-Operative Management¶
Surgical Considerations and Complications¶
- Immediate repair of ruptured structures at both joints in a case of traumatic avulsion of the UCL of the IP joint and MCP joint produced a satisfactory result [16].
- Fractures at the base of the proximal phalanx associated with UCL ruptures can be caused by avulsion of the UCL or by shearing of the base by the palmar portion of the radial condyle [19].
- A displaced ligament (Stener lesion) can occur in the presence of a nondisplaced fracture if the fragment was sheared rather than avulsed [19].
- The mechanism of fracture (avulsion vs. shearing) cannot be determined by radiographic appearance and is revealed only at surgery by inspecting the bone and its relationship to the end of the ligament [19].
Complications¶
- In a cohort of 12 patients treated with an alternative repair method, 11 had good to excellent subjective results and regained 75% of the strength of the uninjured side at follow-up ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months [11].
- After open reduction and internal fixation for thumb ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fractures, pinch strength improved from 36% of the contralateral side to 89% (p < .01) [17].
- In a comparison of acute and chronic UCL injuries, no complications such as reduction loss, MCP osteoarthritis, bone necrosis, and non-union were observed in the avulsion fracture group [27].
- In a comparison of acute and chronic UCL injuries, four patients in the avulsion group and four patients in the rupture group experienced mild intermittent pain caused by light activity [27].
Recovery¶
- Early active mobilization following UCL repair with a Mitek bone anchor leads to an earlier return to full hand function at 6 weeks compared to 8 weeks [29].
- Early active mobilization following UCL repair with a Mitek bone anchor leads to an earlier return to work at 7 weeks compared to 11 weeks [29].
- A policy of early mobilisation after robust tendon repairs is favoured to avoid tethering of the long tendons of the thumb during the early post-operative period [7].
Key Evidence¶
- [L5] A controlled active motion therapy protocol after suture anchor repair of a ruptured UCL of the thumb is safe from a biomechanical point of view. [1] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.04.017)
- [L4] Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation demonstrates short-term outcomes comparable to what has been reported for other methods of repair. [2] (10.1142/s2424835520500046)
- [L3] There was no significant change in pinch strength in patients with chronic UCL reconstructions, but significantly better results were achieved in grip strength, flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation. [3] (10.1016/j.hansur.2020.03.002)
- [L4] Acute surgical repair of the torn ulnar collateral ligament can achieve good subjective and objective functional results. [4] (10.1016/0020-1383(94)90179-1)
- [L3] The authors concluded that this is a safe and effective method for repair of complete tears of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MP joint. [5] (10.1016/s0363-5023(97)80113-x)
- [L1] This new technique provided good improvement in stability and strength of the thumb. [6] (10.1016/s0363-5023(03)80385-4)
- [L4] In this field of tendon surgery, we favour a policy of early mobilisation after robust tendon repairs to avoid tethering of the long tendons of the thumb during the early post-operative period. [7] (10.1197/j.jht.2005.01.008)
- [L4] In this surgical cohort of active-duty soldiers with thumb MCP UCL injuries, rifle-related injury was the most commonly documented injury mechanisms. [8] (10.1016/j.injury.2026.113711)
- [L5] Distal placement of the UCL phalangeal insertion restricted flexion motion (from a mean of 57° to 47°). [9] (10.1053/jhsu.1999.0283)
- [L5] We present a previously undescribed injury of avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb IP joint. [10] (10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80061-0)
- [L4] At the last postoperative follow-up (range 6 weeks-6 months) 11 of 12 patients had good to excellent results subjectively and had regained 75% of the strength of the uninjured side. [11] (10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80436-6)
- [L4] Results indicate that arthroscopic reduction of a Stener lesion allows healing of the ulnar collateral ligament without the need for open repair. [12] (10.1016/s0363-5023(05)80156-x)
- [L2] Functional and subjective outcomes were good or satisfactory in more than 90% of patients. [13] (10.1016/s0363-5023(89)80026-7)
- [L5] Pure ligamentous injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb in a child do occur, but they are much less common than epiphyseal fractures. [14] (10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80009-0)
- [L4] These injuries emphasize the importance of keeping the thumb upward and clear of the rope to avoid entrapment between the rope and saddle horn. [15] (10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80136-7)
- [L5] Immediate repair of the ruptured structures at both joints produced a satisfactory result. [16] (10.1016/s0363-5023(87)80224-1)
- [L4] After undergoing open reduction and internal fixation, the patients had relief of thumb pain and pinch strength improved from 36% of the contralateral side to 89% (p < .01). [17] (10.1016/s0363-5023(97)80049-4)
- [L5] The use of interference screws for fixation of tendon grafts to bone for hand ligament reconstructions is a promising new surgical technique. [18] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.12.013)
- [L5] [19] (10.1016/s0363-5023(98)80158-5)
- [L5] [20] (10.1142/s0218810417500411)
- [L4] Immobilization of the MCP joint with a K-wire after surgical repair of the UCL is an option that allows return to work within 7 days for 62% of patients who are not manual workers. [21] (10.1016/j.hansur.2015.12.007)
- [L5] Diagnostic ultrasound is a useful, noninvasive tool for assessing the extent of rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament. [25] (10.1016/0363-5023(94)90025-6)
- [L4] [27] (10.1016/j.main.2014.10.003)
- [L5] The technique preserves native ligament proprioception while providing additional stability during early healing phases. [28] (10.1016/j.eats.2025.103957)
- [L1] Our results show that on average early active mobilization leads to an earlier return to full hand function (6 vs. 8 wk) and an earlier return to work (7 vs. 11 wk). [29] (10.1097/bth.0b013e318284dbd7)
- [L4] Both techniques were equally effective, and the use of the more expensive steel wire, while technically satisfying and easy to perform, offers no clinical advantage over simple suture. [33] (10.1016/0266-7681(92)90079-h)
- [L4] Our study shows that thumbs with a stress angle difference of 15° should always be explored for a probable Stener lesion. [34] (10.1177/1753193412455789)
- [L5] At 3 month follow up, tests for instability were negative and satisfying results in terms of motion (ROM loss less than 20%), grip strength (loss less than 17%) were observed. [36] (10.1016/j.jhse.2007.04.010)
References¶
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