Reconstructive procedure to repair chronic injuries to the collateral ligament of metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand.

Abstract

We have devised a reconstructive procedure to repair chronic injuries to the collateral ligament of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. It comprises palmaris longus tendon grafting into a bone tunnel and suturing onto the base of the residual ligament without involving fixation of the tendon graft stump. Thirteen patients were treated for injured MCP joints: thumb/ulnar, ten cases; thumb/radial, two; and middle finger/radial, one. All patients had pain and instability of average 41 degrees in the affected MCP joints. The patients were followed at an average period of five years and nine months. Pain and joint instability disappeared in all patients. The mean MCP joint range of motion (ROM) was 1 degrees on extension and 58 degrees on flexion. The tip pinch strength averaged 4.8 kg. The gratifying results obtained using this method are attributed to the fact that optimal tension of the ligament and satisfactory ROM can be achieved during the course of rehabilitation.