Ligament Reconstruction of Traumatic Pure Dislocation of Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb: A Series of Acute and Chronic Cases

Abstract

Background Traumatic instability of carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb without a fracture (pure dislocation of CMC joint) is an uncommon injury, and a universally accepted protocol has not yet been developed for its management. Here, we aim to evaluate the outcome of this injury managed with ligament reconstruction technique, in a series of acute and chronic injuries.Patients and Methods Total nine patients (six acute and three chronic) with pure dislocation of CMC joint who underwent ligament reconstruction surgery were included in this retrospective study. Outcome measures included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (quick-DASH) questionnaire; visual analog scale (VAS) scoring system; patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE) system; pinch and grip strength; and Kapandji thumb opposition scores.Results The patients’ mean age was 32.55 ± 11.4 years. Their mean follow-up period was 27 ± 12.8 months. The mean postoperative pinch and grip strength was equivalent to 91.5% and 108% of the contralateral hand, respectively. The mean Quick-DASH score was 14.7 ± 19.4. The mean PRWHE score was 18.7 ± 22.4. The mean VAS was 1.1 ± 1.5. The mean Kapandji score was 8.3 ± 1.4. The pinch and grip strength were considerably superior in acute injuries. Degenerative changes were seen in all joints at the latest follow-up. None of our patients needed a revision surgery.Conclusion Ligament reconstruction method could result in favorable outcome in the management of pure dislocation of CMC joint. However, delayed surgery of this injury might adversely affect the outcome measures.