Failure of cast immobilization for thumb ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fractures

Abstract

To determine if small avulsion fractures of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) with minimal (< or = 2.0 mm) displacement can successfully be treated by cast immobilization, the authors reviewed 9 patients with minimally displaced fractures initially treated by casting. Despite immobilization within an average of 2 days of the initial injury (range, 0-6 days), a minimum of 6 weeks of immobilization in a cast, and adequate rehabilitation, all 9 patients had persistent thumb pain, especially with activities requiring strong pinch. 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). Grip strength increased from 77% to 93% (p < .05), but the ranges of motion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints were not significantly altered. Minimally displaced UCL avulsion fractures frequently have significant rotation that prevents successful fracture healing even with prompt cast immobilization.