Radial Collateral Ligament Tears Research Articles

Suture Tape Augmentation for the Repair of Index Finger Radial Collateral Ligament Injury: A Biomechanical Study

Despite their clinical importance in maintaining the stability of the pinch mechanism, injuries of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) of the index finger may be underrecognized and underreported. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the repair of index finger RCL tears with either a standard suture anchor or suture tape augmentation. The index fingers from 24 fresh-frozen human cadavers underwent repair of torn RCLs using either a standard suture anchor or suture tape augmentation. Following the repairs, the initial displacement of the repair with a 3-N ulnar deviating load was evaluated. Next, the change in displacement (cyclic deformation) of the repair after 1,000 cycles of 3 N of ulnar deviating force was calculated (displacement of the 1000th cycle- displacement of the first cycle). Finally, the amount of force required to cause clinical failure (30° ulnar deviation) of the repair was determined. Suture tape augmentation repairs displayed significantly less cyclic deformation (0.8± 0.5 mm) after cyclic loading than suture anchor repairs (1.8 ± 0.7 mm). There was no significant difference in the force required to cause the clinical failure of the repairs between the suture tape (35.1 ± 18.1 N) and suture anchor (24.5 ± 9.2 N) repairs. Index finger RCL repair with suture tape augmentation results in decreased deformation with repetitive motion compared with RCL repair alone. Suture tape augmentation may allow for early mobilization following index finger RCL repair by acting as a brace that protects the repaired ligament from deforming forces.

Validation of the spontaneous lateral laxity sign for radial collateral ligament sprain of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the fingers: Anatomical study

Severe collateral ligament sprain of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) of the fingers is rare. Clinical examination is mandatory to diagnose severity. The purpose of our study was to validate a clinical sign for MCP joint laxity: the spontaneous lateral laxity sign (SLLS), recently described by Meyer et al. to diagnose severe MCP radial collateral ligament (RCL) sprain, with a comparison with the already validated rotational laxity test (RLT). SLLS and RLT were assessed before RCL transection, after RCL transection and after RCL repair on 40 long fingers in 10 fresh thawed cadavers. SLLS was performed with the elbow on the table, wrist in 70° flexion, in neutral pronation-supination, hands drooping passively with the dorsal side toward the examiner and the ulnar side toward the table. The MCP joints were at rest, in passive slight extension. Positive results were defined as an overlap of the damaged finger on the next, or as an increased abduction of the little finger. Correlation between the two tests was calculated. SLLS was positive in 0% of cases before RCL transection, 100% after transection and 0% after repair. Mean arcs of pronation and supination on RLT were 16 and 19.5 mm before section, 24 and 33 mm after section (52% and 69% increase compared to preoperative data), and 17 and 21 mm after repair (7% and 8% increase). Correlation between the two tests was 100%. The spontaneous lateral laxity sign is a simple and reliable clinical sign for diagnosing complete long-finger MCP RCL tears requiring surgery. Level of evidence: III, case-control study.

Avulsion of the Common Extensor Tendon and Radial Collateral Ligament Tear

A 59-year-old left hand dominant female was evaluated by a physical therapist. The patient had an 8-year history of chronic intermittent left elbow pain with a recent exacerbation occurring after moving furniture.

Collateral ligament sprains of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the long fingers: Results of a surgical series of 15 patients

IntroductionCollateral ligament sprains of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MP) of the long fingers are rare and mostly treated conservatively. Clinical examination to diagnose the severity of these injuries is mandatory. The purpose of our study is to report the results of 15 patients treated surgically. MethodsTwenty-three patients, mean age 48, underwent surgery for Stage 3 radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries of the middle finger (12), the ring finger (4) and the little finger (7). The mean time from trauma to surgery was 53 days. The clinical evaluation consisted of measuring active joint motion, performing laxity tests at 0°, 30° and 90° of MP flexion, testing for laxity and rotation, looking for a spontaneous overlapping finger (or hyperabducted little finger) in relaxed position and measuring the strength (Jamar). ResultsAmong the 23 operated patients, RCL lesions were distal in 8 cases, proximal in 9, and mid-substance in 6. There were 2 Stener-like lesions.Preoperatively, 16 patients presented an overlapping finger over the next one and 7 had spontaneous hyperabduction of the fifth finger.Mean follow-up of the 15 patients reviewed was 24 months (8–56).Mean MP flexion-extension range of motion was 86°/11° (71–99/0–29).Mean MP ulnar laxity of the injured finger was 18°, 14° and 11° respectively at 0°, 30° and 90° and 19°, 16°and 13°on comparison to the same digit on the opposite side.Mean MP radial laxity of the injured finger was 28°, 22° and 10° respectively at 0°, 30°, 90°, same digit on opposite side was 29°, 21°, 11°.There were no postoperative overlapped or hyperabducted fingers concerning spontaneous lateral laxity in extension.The postoperative rotational laxity test showed differences of arc in supination and pronation between operated finger and healthy side of respectively −12% and +8%. ConclusionThe postoperative results of RCL repair of the MP in the long fingers are good in spite of some residual ligamentous distension, revealed by the laxity tests. The lateral laxity sign as a simple painless clinical sign for diagnosing complete RCL tears requiring surgery needs a validating study in order to spread its use. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective study.

Acute elbow dislocation: comparison between magnetic resonance imaging and intra-operative finding of ligament injury.

The aim of this current study wasto assess elbow ligament tears after dislocation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate any pre-operative imaging with intra-operative findings of elbow ligament tears. We prospectively included 32 patients with acute elbow dislocation investigated by MRI at a means of fivedays from dislocation. A simple elbow dislocation was diagnosed in 14 patients (44%); associated bone injuries were identified in 18 elbows (56%). Surgical repair of elbow ligaments was carried out in 23 patients, and nine cases were treated non-operatively. A blinded MRI evaluation of all 32 elbows was performed by an orthopaedic surgeon (rater 1) and a musculoskeletal radiologist (rater 2). Inter-rater agreement for MRI evaluation of 32 was poor for lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) tears, fair for radial collateral ligament (RCL), moderate for annular ligament (AL), and fair for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). All tears were reported as complete by rater 1; 13/32 partial tears were identified by rater 2 (LUCL = 2, RCL = 2, UCL = 9). Correlation between surgical and MRI findings showed good inter-rater agreement for LUCL and AL tears in both raters. Agreement for RCL tear was poor for rater 1 and fair for rater 2; agreement for UCL tear was fair for rater 1 and poor for rater 2. Intra-operative findings showed ten radial head fractures(RHFs) and ten coronoid fractures (CFs). LUCL tears were found in the four cases of type II RHFs and in 3/4 cases of CFs. Bone injuries and ligament tears were not significantly associated. MRI scan supported surgeons to identify soft tissue injuries and to address the most suitable surgical approach after acute elbow dislocation. Inter-observer agreement for intra-operative findings was high for LCL complex injuries and poor for UCL.

Hand Injury - Basketball

HISTORY: 16-year-old male presenting with left thumb injury. Patient presented due to thumb injury during basketball 5 weeks prior to presentation. He reported a basketball was thrown extremely hard and hit him on the lateral side of the thumb, pushing his thumb towards his 5th digit. Despite pain, he was able to finish the game. He had noticeable swelling when the game ended. Despite icing, he continued to have swelling in addition to pain with pinching items or texting. This led him to the urgent care 1 week prior to presentation. X-rays were obtained at the urgent care and he was sent to sports medicine clinic. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Examination of left hand showed noticeable deformity at MCPJ, with proximal phalanx appearing subluxed on MC. Flexible deformity on radial aspect of the thumb MCP joint. Tenderness to palpation over the radial side of the MCP joint where there is a prominence. No swelling or bruising. Full range of motion of the thumb without limitation. Strength 4/5 with thumb flexion, extension, abduction, adduction. Pain with thumb manual muscle strength testing. Stable to UCL stress at 0 and 30 degrees. RCL laxity at 0 and 30 degrees without clear endpoint. Normal thumbs up and okay sign. Normal thumb to pinky opposition. Normal grip. Neurovascularly intact. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1.Radial collateral ligament tear 2.Flexor pollicis brevis tear 3.1st proximal phalanx fracture 4. Sesamoid fracture TESTS AND RESULTS: XR Left Hand Impression: No fractures identified. Subluxation of thumb at MCP joint. MRI Left Hand Impression: Complete disruption of radial collateral ligament of the MCP joint of the thumb with ulnar subluxation of the phalanx compared to the metacarpal. Significant joint fluid. Ulnar deviation of the flexor policis longus and sesamoids. Some marrow edema of the distal metacarpal as well as subchondral bone of first phalanx. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Chronic radial collateral ligament rupture at metacarpal level TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1.Surgical radial collateral ligament repair 2.Initially immobilized with thumb spica splint 3.Casted from 1-5 weeks post operatively 4.Out of cast at 5 weeks post op out; into OT formed hand-splint and range of motion exercises started 5.Follow up planned 9 weeks post-op. Work with OT to achieve full, painless ROM and normal strength prior to returning to basketball

Radial collateral ligament repair of the thumb: long-term outcomes and predictive factors of postoperative deficits

The thumb's radial collateral ligament (RCL) plays an important role in stabilizing the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP-1). RCL injuries are rare and treatment recommendations are inconsistent in the current literature. The aim of this study was to report on long-term outcomes following surgical repair of thumb RCL tear and to identify prognostic risk factors for treatment failure. Patients with RCL tear from 10/1998 to 10/2019 were included in the present retrospective single center cohort study. In follow-up visits, participants were assessed regarding pain, range of motion and strength as well as with disability of shoulder, arm and hands (DASH), and the Short-Form 36 (SF36) questionnaires. Finally, predictive factors of postoperative deficits were identified. 43 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Median age was 43.5years (range 18-80years). The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall or impact. Bony avulsions were identified in 46.5% (20/43). Time from injury to surgery was 12days (0-276days). One Stener-like lesion was observed intraoperatively among our patients. After surgical repair, the MCP-1 joint was stable in every patient. Mean time to follow-up was 5.3years (1month to 17years). Persistency of pain in the MCP-1 joint was reported by 11 patients. Postoperative averaged score was 3.75 on DASH and 44.96 on SF36, respectively. The average grip and pinch strength was 32.7kg and 8.37kg, respectively. Predictive factors of postoperative deficits were delay of surgery of > 3weeks (OR 10.72, p 0.017) and palmar subluxation prior to surgery (OR 8.86, p 0.019). Long-term follow-up has proven that surgical repair of RCL enables the patient to regain adequate stability and strength of the MCP-1 joint and minimizes disability. Predictive risk factors of pain persistency after surgery are surgical delay and palmar subluxation of the MCP-1 joint.

Injuries to the Collateral Ligaments of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb, Including Simultaneous Combined Thumb Ulnar and Radial Collateral Ligament Injuries, in National Football League Athletes

Background: Thumb collateral ligament injuries occur frequently in the National Football League (NFL). In the general population or in recreational athletes, pure metacarpophalangeal (MCP) abduction or adduction mechanisms yield isolated ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) tears, respectively, while NFL athletes may sustain combined mechanism injury patterns. Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of simultaneous combined thumb UCL and RCL tears among all thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries in NFL athletes on a single team. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review of all thumb injuries on a single NFL team from 1991 to 2014 was performed. All players with a thumb MCP collateral ligament injury were included. Collateral ligament injuries were confirmed by review of both physical examination findings and magnetic resonance imaging. Player demographics, surgical details, and return-to-play data were obtained from the team electronic medical record and surgeons’ records. Results: A total of 36 thumbs in 32 NFL players were included in the study, yielding an incidence of 1.6 thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries per year on a single NFL team. Of these, 9 thumbs (25%) had a simultaneous combined UCL and RCL tear injury pattern confirmed on both physical examination and MRI. The remaining 27 thumbs (75%) were isolated UCL injuries. All combined UCL/RCL injuries required surgery due to dysfunction from instability; 63.0% of isolated UCL injuries required surgical repair (P = .032) due to continued pain and dysfunction from instability. Repair, when required, was delayed until the end of the season. All players with combined UCL/RCL injuries and isolated UCL injuries returned to play professional football the following season. Conclusion: Simultaneous combined thumb UCL and RCL tear is a previously undescribed injury pattern that occurred in 25% of thumb MCP collateral ligament injuries on a single NFL team over a 23-year period. All players with combined thumb UCL/RCL injuries required surgical repair, which was significantly higher compared with players with isolated UCL injuries. Team physicians and hand surgeons treating elite football players with suspected thumb collateral ligament injuries should examine for RCL and UCL instability and consider MRI if any concern exists for a combined ligament injury pattern, as this injury is likely frequently missed.

Avulsion fracture and complete rupture of the thumb radial collateral ligament

Acute grade III tears of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) of the thumb as well as certain bony avulsion fractures receive early surgical repair at our institution. The aim of this study was to evaluate if patients would benefit from this treatment algorithm at long-term. 47 patients with RCL bony avulsion fracture or grade III RCL tear were evaluated at a median follow-up of 4.5years (range 1-17.3years). Grade III RCL tears were treated operatively when presenting >30° angulation in stress X-ray together with palmar subluxation of ≥3mm. Further, avulsed bony fragments with diastasis >2mm or fragment rotation >30°-45° in conventional X-ray underwent surgery. 6 patients with grade III RCL tear as well as 9 patients with bony avulsion underwent surgical repair. At follow-up, metacarpophalangeal joint stability and pain free ROM did not differ significantly between the groups. Subjective satisfaction based on the Catalano grading system revealed excellent results in operatively and conservatively treated patients. This retrospective analysis indicates that early surgical repair in severe RCL injuries is associated with unrestricted ROM, persistent joint stability, and subjective patient satisfaction. This data suggest that surgical treatment in certain RCL injuries might be a feasible therapeutic option in order to avoid chronic instability.

Corrective Osteotomy and Ligament Repair for Longstanding Radial Collateral Ligament Tear of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: Case Series

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of corrective osteotomy and ligament repair for longstanding radial collateral ligament tears of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. We retrospectively evaluated 4 patients with 5 longstanding tears in the radial collateral ligaments of the PIP joints. The average age at the time of surgery was 51 years (range, 40-62 y). The average time from the initial injury to surgery was 31 years (range, 22-40 y). Plain radiographs revealed an ulnar slope at the PIP joint surface with degenerative changes in all fingers. We corrected the slope using a closing wedge osteotomy of the neck of the proximal phalanx secured with a headless screw. We then repaired the radial collateral ligament by overlapping the elongated ligament. Range of motion exercises were started 2 weeks after surgery. To evaluate the results, we compared preoperative and postoperative range of motion, ulnar deviation, instability, pain, and level of satisfaction. Average follow-up was 27 months (range, 18-48 mo). All osteotomies had united at an average of 3 months. We observed no major changes in range of motion, but flexion contracture gradually appeared in 1 high-demand patient. The average preoperative angle of ulnar deviation was 36° and was corrected to a postoperative angle of 2°. The average angle of lateral instability improved after surgery from 22° to 1°. Finger pain disappeared or decreased in 3 low-demand patients but persisted in 1 high-demand patient. Two low-demand patients were very satisfied and 1 low-demand patient was satisfied; however, 1 high-demand patient was dissatisfied with the results of surgery. Corrective osteotomy and ligament repair can result in a straight and stable joint with a good range of motion in low-demand patients. This method could be a treatment option for carefully selected patients.

Imaging in index finger radial collateral ligament injury: attention to detail really pays…

Radial collateral ligament of the index finger is a rare ligament to rupture. X-ray is generally normal, except for subtle findings of soft tissue swelling and occasionally a small fracture. With continuous advances in imaging, ultrasound and high quality MRI allow clear depiction of small structures including joint capsule and collateral ligaments of even the small joints. This helps in definitive diagnosis and determines the extent of injury, which may affect the treatment options and final outcome. We report a rare case of index finger metacarpo-phalangeal joint radial collateral ligament tear. The subtle X-ray abnormality was chased on ultrasound and the diagnosis was proposed on ultrasound and later confirmed on MRI. We also discuss the imaging findings of this rare entity.

Radial Collateral Ligament Injury of the Thumb with a Stener-Like Lesion

The original Stener lesion, described in 1962, refers to an ulnar collateral ligament tear of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with adductor aponeurosis interposition. The adductor aponeurosis serves as a mechanical block to healing by preventing apposition of the torn ends of the ulnar collateral ligament. This article presents a case of a 27-year-old woman with painful swelling of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint following a car accident. Complete tear of the radial collateral ligament was diagnosed based on physical and radiographic examinations. Radial collateral ligament injuries are reported to be less common than ulnar collateral ligament injuries, and, in the past, radial collateral ligament tears were thought to be innocuous, requiring little intervention. More recently, the significance of these injuries has been well documented, and there is support for acute surgical management of complete radial collateral ligament tears. During surgical intervention in our case, we found an intrasubstance tear of the radial collateral ligament with the proximal portion of the ligament retracted and lying superficial to the abductor aponeurosis, thereby producing a Stener-like lesion on the radial side of the joint. The incidence of a Stener-like lesion to the radial collateral ligament is unknown, but it has only been reported once in the literature. Although a primary radial collateral ligament tear may heal by soft tissue apposition, we felt that conservative management in our patient would unlikely lead to healing due to interposition of the abductor aponeurosis. This case supports current recommendations for surgical intervention of complete radial collateral ligament injuries due to the possibility of a Stener-like lesion with soft tissue interposition recurring in the future.

Results of Surgical Treatment of Acute and Chronic Grade II Tears of the Radial Collateral Ligament of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are much less common than ulnar collateral ligament injuries. Cast or splint immobilization is recommended for treating grade I and grade II tears; however, there is no consensus for treating grade III (complete) tears of the RCL. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of repair of acute grade III tears of the RCL and evaluate the efficacy of late reconstruction for chronic instability. From 1986 to 2001 there were 26 patients (16 in the repair group, 10 in the reconstruction group) who were reviewed retrospectively and examined clinically after either repair or reconstruction of the RCL of the thumb. The repair group had surgery at a mean of 2.5 weeks after injury and was evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 4.6 years. The reconstruction group had surgery at a mean of 6.8 months after injury and was evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 5.0 years. At an average follow-up of 59 months, there were no statistically significant differences in MCP or interphalangeal joint motion, grip or pinch strength, or MCP joint stability between the 2 groups. Based on a newly developed grading system there were 12 excellent and 3 good results in the repair group and 8 excellent and 2 good results in the reconstruction group. Overall satisfaction was excellent for both groups. We recommend the repair of acute grade III RCL injuries and reconstruction of chronic grade III RCL tears of the thumb MCP joint to prevent the development of a painful unstable thumb and possibly to prevent the development of MCP joint arthritis. Therapeutic, Level IV.

Bone-retinaculum-bone reconstruction for chronic posttraumatic instability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb

Purpose: This study presents an autograft technique for the surgical management of chronic posttraumatic instability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint by using a bone-retinaculum-bone graft from the second compartment of the extensor retinaculum. Methods: The bone-retinaculum-bone graft was harvested from the second compartment. The graft ends were fixed into the host site with screws. Fourteen patients (12 ulnar, 2 radial collateral ligament tears) had the procedure. All patients were reviewed by an independent observer using objective and subjective criteria, the mean follow-up time was 20 months. Results: Results were satisfactory overall (8 excellent, 4 good, 1 fair, 1 poor that subsequently was fused). All patients returned to their former jobs. All but one had a clinically stable first MCP joint; grasp was 87%, pinch was 80%, MCP joint range of motion (ROM) was 91%, and interphalangeal joint ROM was 98% of the unoperated side. Conclusions: Early results are encouraging. This procedure preserves ROM of the MCP and interphalangeal joints of the thumb, improves strength, and gives the stability required for proper thumb function.