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拇指尺侧副韧带（UCL）修复

PDF Evidence Consent
Updated Oct 2026
Illustration: 拇指尺侧副韧带（UCL）修复

本页面由机器翻译，尚未经临床医生审核。英文版本为权威版本。

为何建议进行此手术

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton 的上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 医生会根据您的具体伤情制定治疗方案。涉及的韧带位于拇指内侧，在拇指与手相接的关节处。此手术修复这条韧带，使关节恢复稳定。

我们通常首先采用非手术治疗。对于部分撕裂，石膏或夹板可以在愈合期间固定拇指，这样往往能使拇指恢复稳定且无痛。但当韧带完全断裂时，它往往无法自行愈合。约 75% 的完全撕裂仅靠夹板固定无法愈合。韧带撕裂的断端还可能移位，从而无法重新连接到骨头上。如果这样的撕裂不予治疗，可能导致长期疼痛和拇指使用困难。

对于完全撕裂，可能会建议直接手术，或者在夹板固定未能带来足够改善后再建议手术。目标是让拇指稳定、无痛，并且有足够的力量进行抓握和捏取。与术前相比，患者报告的疼痛和功能在修复后三个月和 12 个月时均有改善。

术前

您的外科医生会根据您拇指的影像检查来规划手术。通常首先拍 X 光片，它可以显示韧带撕脱处是否有小骨折。也可能使用 MRI 或超声扫描来显示韧带本身，并确认撕裂的断端是否已经移位。

手术前，您会得到明确的指示。您应在手术前七小时停止进食。这样，如果手术室安排提前，您的手术就可以提前进行。您可能需要停用某些药物，您的外科医生会告诉您停用哪些药物以及何时停用。请携带一份您正在服用的所有药物的清单。请安排有人在术后送您回家，并穿着宽松、舒适的衣物。

如果您有其他健康状况，可能需要进行血液检查或接受麻醉医生的评估。

手术当天

您将抵达医院的手术入院单元，在此办理入院手续并为手术做准备。您将在那里见到麻醉医生。本手术在全身麻醉下进行。有时会追加区域神经阻滞以缓解术后疼痛；麻醉医生将在当天就此与您讨论。

随后，您将被带入手术室进行手术。手术结束后，您将在恢复区苏醒，在麻醉消退期间护士会在那里监护您。一旦您的情况稳定，根据手术类型及您的恢复情况，您将被送往病房或回家。

手术内容

您的外科医生会在拇指侧面韧带撕脱的地方做一个小切口。通过这个切口，医生找到韧带撕裂的断端，并在骨头上它原来附着的地方准备一个小区域。然后用一个植入骨头的小锚钉将韧带缝回到这个位置。在韧带重新长回骨头上的过程中，锚钉将其固定在原位。

如果韧带撕裂时间已久，断端可能磨损得太厉害而无法缝合。在这种情况下，您的外科医生可以使用您拇指附近的一条自身肌腱来重建韧带，将其折叠形成一条新的组织带，连接关节两侧的骨头。如果韧带撕脱时带下了一小块骨头，会用一块小钢板和螺钉把这块骨片固定回原位。

有些修复会用一条缝在韧带旁边的带状加强带来增强。这条加强带就像一根临时安全绳，在韧带愈合期间分担负荷。由于它承担了一部分应力，您的拇指可能比单纯修复更早开始活动。

您的外科医生还可能在拇指关节中穿入一根小金属针，将关节固定不动，保护修复部位免受侧向应力。待愈合进展顺利后，再将钢针取出。

切口用缝线关闭并覆盖敷料。您将被送往恢复区，在您苏醒期间护理团队会查看您的情况。

术后

您将在恢复区苏醒，然后转到病房。您的手会戴着夹板或石膏，伤口上覆盖着敷料。护士会让您保持舒适，如有需要会给您止痛药。一旦您觉得可以，就可以起身走动。回家后最初 24 小时内，应有人陪同您。医疗团队将告知您是当日出院还是住院观察一晚。敷料通常保留约 10 天；除非我们指示，否则请勿提前拆除。复诊时我们会更换或拆除敷料。

恢复

在最初的几天和几周内，您的拇指会疼痛和肿胀。这种情况会逐渐缓解。休息时把手抬高会有帮助，医疗团队给您的止痛药也会有帮助。您回家时会戴着夹板或石膏，在修复部位愈合期间保护它。

您的日常生活变化可能比您预想的更大。起初有些事情您需要别人帮忙，尤其是需要用力抓握的事，比如开罐子或搬重物。大多数人发现很快就能应付轻松的日常事务，伏案工作则可在本页表格所示的时间范围内恢复。手部治疗是您康复的重要组成部分。您的手部治疗师、Extend Rehabilitation 的 Ruby Doolan 会在您的拇指愈合过程中指导您的锻炼，并制作您需要的任何夹板。锻炼从轻柔开始，随着修复部位变得更牢固而逐步加强。

随着肿胀消退和活动能力恢复，日常事务会变得更容易。一旦您的外科医生确认修复部位已经愈合，您将逐步恢复较重的工作、运动和健身。随着疼痛减轻和力量恢复，最终效果会在一段时间内持续改善。

每个人的恢复情况各不相同。您的恢复时间可能与典型范围有所不同，您的外科医生和治疗师会在每个阶段为您提供指导。

可能出现的问题

大多数患者恢复良好，但偶尔也会出现问题。您的外科医生和医疗团队会密切监测您的状况，以便尽早发现任何问题。

伤口可能发生感染。您可能会注意到红肿从切口向外扩散、切口有液体或脓液流出，或者出现简单止痛药无法缓解的深层搏动性疼痛。如果您注意到其中任何迹象，请当天致电诊所。

有时，拇指附近的一根小神经会在手术中受到刺激。这可能导致拇指背侧出现麻木、刺痛或一片感觉异常的区域。神经阻滞后最初 24 小时内出现麻木和无力是预料之中的，会随着阻滞消退而缓解。如果麻木持续超过这段时间，请致电诊所。

关节可能会略微松弛或僵硬。有些人在捏取或抓握时会注意到拇指根部轻微酸痛，或者拇指的弯曲幅度不如以前。少数人发现抓握力不如以前。这些变化通常很轻微，往往会随着时间和手部治疗而缓解。如果它们让您困扰，请在下次复诊时提出。

修复本身也可能失败。这并不常见，但在最初几周内摔倒或拇指受到碰撞，可能会使正在愈合的韧带再次受到拉伤或撕裂。您会感到突然疼痛、肿胀，并感觉拇指无力支撑。如果发生这种情况，请致电诊所。

如果使用了金属针来固定关节，针周围的皮肤可能会受到刺激或感染。如果钢针部位出现发红、触痛或渗液，请当天告知诊所。

如果您想了解具体数据，本页的并发症表列出了典型发生率。

何时联系我们

大多数人都能顺利恢复，但有些迹象需要尽快处理。

如果您出现小腿肿胀或疼痛，或者呼吸急促或胸痛，请前往急诊科。这些可能是血栓的迹象。如果您的拇指、手或手指变得苍白、发冷、发白、发蓝或发暗，请前往急诊科。

如果您发烧、伤口周围红肿扩散，或伤口有液体或脓液流出，请当天致电诊所。如果尽管服用了止痛药，疼痛仍不断加重，请当天致电诊所。

神经阻滞后最初 24 小时内出现麻木和无力是预料之中的，会随着阻滞消退而缓解。如果麻木持续超过这段时间，或者阻滞消退后您无法活动拇指、手或手指，请致电诊所。

如果您无法联系到诊所，例如在非工作时间或周末，请前往离您最近的急诊科。

Reviewed by AI synthesis (v2) — pending human review · 21 August 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

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

[1] A biomechanical modeling of injury, repair, and rehabilitation of ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2004. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.04.017

[2] Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation. The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume). 2020. DOI: 10.1142/s2424835520500046

[3] The effects of rehabilitation on the outcomes of surgically treated acute and chronic thumb metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament ruptures. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2020.03.002

[4] Gamekeeper's thumb: a quantitative evaluation of acute surgical repair. Injury. 1994. DOI: 10.1016/0020-1383(94)90179-1

[5] Repair of acute ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with an intraosseous suture anchor. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(97)80113-x

[6] Late reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb MP joint with free tendon graft — A new technique. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(03)80385-4

[7] New Concepts in Managing the Long Tendons of the Thumb After Primary Repair. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2005. DOI: 10.1197/j.jht.2005.01.008

[8] Return to Duty After Suture Anchor Repair of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Active Duty Soldiers. Injury. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2026.113711

[9] The effect of thumb metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament attachment site on joint range of motion: An in vitro study. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1999. DOI: 10.1053/jhsu.1999.0283

[10] Traumatic Avulsion of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the IP Joint of the Thumb. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1995. DOI: 10.1016/s0266-7681(05)80061-0

[11] Alternative Method of Repairing Collateral Ligament Injuries at the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of the Thumb and Fingers. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997. DOI: 10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80436-6

[12] Arthroscopic treatment of acute complete thumb metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament tears. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1995. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(05)80156-x

[13] Gamekeepers thumb: A prospective study of functional bracing. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1989. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(89)80026-7

[14] Ligamentous avulsion of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb of a child. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1986. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80009-0

[15] Rodeo roping thumb injuries. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1984. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80136-7

[16] An unusual variety of skier's thumb. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1987. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(87)80224-1

[17] Failure of cast immobilization for thumb ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fractures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(97)80049-4

[18] Fixation of Tendon Grafts for Collateral Ligament Reconstructions: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2005. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2004.12.013

[19] The stener lesion revisited: A case report. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1998. DOI: 10.1016/s0363-5023(98)80158-5

[20] Can Physical Examination Create a Stener Lesion?. The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume). 2017. DOI: 10.1142/s0218810417500411

[21] Duration of sick leave after surgical repair of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with K-wire immobilization: Prospective case series of 21 patients. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2016. DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2015.12.007

[25] Ultrasonographic detection of thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries: A cadaveric study. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 1994. DOI: 10.1016/0363-5023(94)90025-6

[27] Comparison of results after surgical repair of acute and chronic ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb. Chirurgie de la Main. 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.main.2014.10.003

[28] Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair Using Suture Anchors and Suture Tape Augmentation. Arthroscopy Techniques. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2025.103957

[29] Early Active Mobilization Following UCL Repair With Mitek Bone Anchor. Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery. 2013. DOI: 10.1097/bth.0b013e318284dbd7

[31] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 9Hand Surgery > Image DISORDERS OF THE MUSCULATURE OF THE HAND.

[32] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. 1.1 SKELETON OF THE HAND > The osseous skeleton.

[33] Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair of the Metacarpo-Phalangeal Joint of the Thumb: A Study Comparing Two Methods of Repair. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1992. DOI: 10.1016/0266-7681(92)90079-h

[34] Re-evaluation of stress radiographic findings for preoperative diagnosis of Stener lesion. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2012. DOI: 10.1177/1753193412455789

[36] A Novel Technique of Thumb Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Acute Injuries. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2007. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhse.2007.04.010

[43] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. The arches of the hand > The metacarpal arch.

[44] Exam Of The Hand Wrist 2Ed. Techniques of investigation of the arterial supply by J P Melki > Vascularization of the thumb > Palmar aspect.

[47] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 9Hand Surgery > FLEXOR TENDON INJURY.

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