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

Abstract

Surgical repair of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint after complete rupture is usually protected by cast immobilization, which hinders return to work. The goal of this study was to determine the duration of sick leave for patients who had 6 weeks of K-wire immobilization instead of cast immobilization after surgical repair of the UCL. This prospective, observational, non-comparative study included patients who had surgical repair of the UCL of the thumb MCP joint followed by K-wire immobilization. Manual laborers were excluded. The main outcome measure was the duration of sick leave. The other outcomes were the need to adapt to the work duties and the patient's subjective assessment of the result. The data were collected by telephone interview. Twenty-one patients were included, 13 (62%) of whom returned to work within 7 days. The average sick leave duration was 3 weeks and 2 days; 10% of patients required adaptation of the work duties. The average satisfaction score was 4.4 out of 5. The average follow-up was 3 years and 5 months. There were no complications. In conclusion, K-wire immobilization after surgical repair of the UCL of the thumb MCP joint, along with precautionary measures is an option that allows early return to work, except for manual labourers.