Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Research Articles

Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis of the Thumb - Minimum of Eight Months Follow-up.

Background:Disorders of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint can lead to significant loss of function and pain. Thumb MCP arthrodesis following traumatic injuries is inadequately described and recent studies have questioned the outcome of this treatment.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to report outcome and disability following thumb MCP joint arthrodesis in the treatment of chronic instability after traumatic injuries.Methods:A retrospective review of 26 patients operated on with MCP joint arthrodesis, median follow-up 42 months (8-104months). Subjective outcome was assessed using the disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-questionnaire (DASH). In addition, patient satisfaction, pain, stiffness, and impairment of activities of daily living were assessed on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) followed by a question stating whether they would undergo the same procedure again.Results:Two patients (7.7%) needed re-operation due to nonunion. Four patients (15.4%) needed hardware removal. Median DASH-score was 18 (25-75% range 6-47), with lower DASH scores being better. Scores were significantly worse in gender and age matched individuals (p<0.05). Median VAS for pain was 3.7 (range 0-8). More than 50% of patients reported mild, moderate or severe pain, but all patients reported that they were willing to undergo the same procedure again.Conclusion:Our data suggest, that patients with post-traumatic thumb injuries managed with thumb MCP joint arthrodesis perform worse than gender and age matched individuals. Many lived with pain, but all reported that they were willing to undergo the same procedure again. We suggest that the disability scale by the National Board of Industrial Injuries should be reconsidered for patients operated on with thumb MCP arthrodesis.

Variation in the Rate of Surgery for Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb

The indications for repair of rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb are debated. We studied factors predictive of operative treatment. In this retrospective study, we queried the research database from 3 affiliated urban hospitals in a single city in the United States and identified 383 patients with a thumb MP UCL injury. We recorded age, sex, treating surgeon, and whether or not a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was ordered. If radiographs showed a concomitant avulsion fracture, we measured fragment size and displacement. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with surgery. Surgery was independently associated with older patient age, widely displaced fractures (≥2 mm), and obtaining an MRI. Two specific surgeons were less likely to operate. Compared with patients without a fracture, fractures without displacement were less likely to have surgery. The rate of surgery for acute thumb MP UCL injury varies based on patient characteristics and the individual treating surgeon. Variation might decrease with improved diagnostic techniques and consideration of practice guidelines. Future studies are needed to determine the patients and injuries that will benefit most from surgery.

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.

Normal Range of Motion of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Objective: The range of motion (ROM) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint varies widely among individuals. Because of this variability, the normal angles of flexion and extension of the MCP joint are difficult to determine. If the ROM of the thumb MCP joint is sufficiently similar between the right and left sides, the contralateral normal side can be used for outcome assessment in hand surgery. The purpose of this study was to define the difference between right and left ROM of the thumb MCP joint in the normal population and assess the utility of the normal side value as a normal indicator. Materials and Methods: Three hundred hands of 150 participants (75 men, 75 women; average age, 36.2 years) without a history of injuries or diseases of the thumb were included in this study. To exclude participants with degenerative joint disease, the age range was limited to 20 to 49 years. The angles of flexion and extension of the MCP joints were measured with a goniometer at an interval of 1°. Statistical analyses of flexion angle, extension angle, differences between men and women, and differences between the right and left sides of individuals were carried out. The Mann-Whitney U tests were used. A P value of &lt; .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average flexion angle was 59.1° (16°-90°). The average extension angle was 7.9° (−32°-58°). Both the flexion and extension angles were greater in women than in men. The average difference in the flexion angle between right and left was 4.8°. The range was from 0° to 28°. The average difference in the extension angle between right and left was 6.4°. The range was from 0° to 38°. For a P value of .05, the one-sided 100th percentile of the flexion angle was 10.6° and that of the extension angle was 14.3°. For a P value of .01, the one-sided 100th percentile of flexion angle was 15.1° and that of the extension angle was 20.1°. Conclusions: The difference between the maximum flexion angle of 90° and the minimum flexion angle of 16° was 74°. The difference between the maximum extension angle of 58° and the minimum extension angle of −32° was 90°. Due to these large differences in the flexion and extension angles, it appeared that some angles could not be determined as normal. However, the average flexion and extension differences between the right and left sides of the same individual were 4.8° and 6.4°, respectively. These differences are small enough for the contralateral normal side to be a useful indicator of the normal ROM of the MCP joint. After rounding up the decimals to a unit, the one-sided 100th percentile results indicated that flexion loss of more than 11° and extension loss of more than 15° were suspicious for contracture of the MCP joint, and that flexion loss of more than 16° and extension loss of more than 21° strongly suggested contracture of the MCP joint.

Which Technique for Treatment of Chronic Thumb MCP Joint Instability? Comparison of 3 Techniques With a Mean Follow-up of 84 Months

Objective: Injuries to the thumb collateral ligament are common whose acute surgery gives good functional results. But they are often unrecognized and surgical procedures for chronic instability are still being discussed. The aim of this study was to compare retrospectively the clinical and radiological results of the 3 main treatments for chronic instability of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb to identify trends and optimize outcome. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective and monocentric study, we included all the patients operated between 2000 and 2012 from a chronic posttraumatic instability of the MCP joint of the thumb by 1 of 3 techniques: primary repair (37 cases), ligament reconstruction (14 cases), and arthrodesis (43 cases). Patients with hyperextension instability, degenerative instability, and a follow-up less than 2 years were excluded from this study. Subjective and objective results and rates of complications and recurrence were compared at end of the follow-up. Results: Sixty-seven patients were included, 55 followed up for a mean 84 months (range, 24-164 months). Whichever the procedure, all patients considered themselves improved or healed. Forty-eight patients (87.3%) were satisfied or very satisfied. The relief of pain was significantly better in the arthrodesis group. The mean Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) for primary repair group were 17.4 (0-89.5), for ligament reconstruction group 25.7 (0-58.3), and for the arthrodesis group 17.8 (0-50). Pinch strength, on average of the value on the unoperated side, was 89% for primary repair group, 84% for ligament reconstruction group, and 94% for the arthrodesis group. Six of 10 ligament reconstructions had MCP joint laxity at end of follow-up. There were significantly fewer patients who considered themselves cured in the ligament reconstruction group. There were 4 failures by end of follow-up: 1 associated with primary repair, 1 with arthrodesis, and 2 with ligament reconstruction. Discussion and Conclusion: Surgery in treating chronic instability of the MCP joint of the thumb gives generally good results. Primary repair should be considered as much as possible. In contrast to literature report, ligament reconstruction does not give better results than arthrodesis.

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

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.

Sesamoid bone transfer for metacarpophalangeal hyperextension instability of the thumb: A CT-osteoabsorptiometry study

Background and aimHyperextension instability of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb may result in pain, malfunction, and accelerated osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. One method of treatment is sesamoid arthrodesis. The aim of this study is to investigate if a sesamoid transfer as a treatment of hyperextension instability of the thumb MCP joint leads to an altered distribution of the subchondral mineralisation and a negative clinical outcome. MethodsSesamoid transfer was performed on 12 patients with hyperextension instability of the MCP joint of the thumb. The range of motion (ROM) and radiologic outcome were assessed. Pinch and power grip strength were measured and compared to the nonoperated side.To determine the areas of maximum subchondral mineralisation in the joint, computed tomography (CT)-osteoabsorptiometry was performed to determine the long-term stress distribution within the joint. ResultsThe distributions of the stress zones in the operated and nonoperated thumbs were not statistically different a median of 5 years following the sesamoid transfer procedure. There was no difference in the functional and radiological results between the operated and nonoperated thumbs. ConclusionIf it is assumed that the nonoperated thumb represents the normal condition for each individual, then it may be deduced that the operation achieves good clinical results, and the distribution of the subchondral mineralisation does not change.

Percutaneous Distraction Pinning for Metacarpophalangeal Joint Stabilization After Blast or Crush Injuries of the Hand.

Unstable, severely comminuted fractures of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are difficult to treat. Closed treatment and casting of these fractures often fail to maintain proper alignment and impede wound care where concomitant open injuries such as gunshot wounds are present. Conventional pinning or plating techniques are not feasible if extensive bone loss and comminution are present. A distraction pinning technique represents a potential alternative, but results with this approach, to our knowledge, have not been reported. The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the effectiveness (defined as osseous union and joint stability) of distraction pinning for comminuted fractures involving MCP joints after gunshot or crush injuries; (2) to report the short-term results in terms of pain and function in a small group of patients who underwent MCP distraction pinning; and (3) to evaluate complications and return to work status of these patients in the short term. We reviewed 10 patients with comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head treated with wire distraction fixation from 2005 and 2014. During that period, we used this technique to treat all patients whose fractures were deemed too comminuted for plating or pinning, and during that period, no other techniques (such as simple external fixation) were used for patients meeting those indications. The minimum followup was 6 months; eight of the 10 patients were accounted at a median of 10 months (range, 6-89 months). The median age was 47 years (range, 28-57 years), and seven of the eight were male. Kirschner wire fixation frames were removed 3.5 to 6 weeks after the index surgery when fracture consolidation was confirmed on radiography by the treating surgeon. Stability and range of motion of the MCP joint were assessed using physical examination, radiographs, and goniometer by the treating surgeon. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at latest followup or by telephone, and complications were assessed by chart review. All fractures were healed with stable MCP joints. Eight patients reported having no pain or minimal pain of their injuries to the hand. The median finger and thumb MCP arc of motion were 80° (range, 70°-105°) and 30° (range, 0°-60°), respectively. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3 (range, 0-41). One patient underwent a second surgical procedure for bone grafting and soft tissue coverage. Three patients developed pin site irritations and were treated with oral antibiotics. Six patients returned to their original job. The distraction pinning technique provides reliable osseous union and joint stability of comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head, even with associated open wounds. Future studies will need to evaluate these patients at longer term followup and compare this approach with other available techniques, because arthrosis, stiffness, and progressive loss of function seem likely to occur given the severity of these injuries. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Strain of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint: Biomechanical Comparison of Two Postoperative Immobilization Techniques

The aim of this study was to compare postoperative immobilization techniques of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in a cadaver model of a noncompliant patient. A cadaveric model with fresh-frozen forearms was used to simulate pinch under two immobilization conditions: (1) forearm-based thumb spica splint alone and (2) forearm-based thumb spica splint with supplemental transarticular MP Kirschner wire fixation. Pinch was simulated by thumb valgus loading and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) loading. Ulnar collateral ligament displacements were measured and strain values calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated measures analysis of variance model. With valgus thumb loading, we noted a significantly lower UCL strain in the splint and pin group compared to splint immobilization alone. Increased load was associated with a statistically significant increase in UCL strain within each immobilization condition. FPL loading resulted in negative displacement, or paradoxical shortening, of the UCL in both immobilization groups. While immobilized, valgus thumb force, as opposed to MP flexion, is a likely contributor to UCL strain during simulated pinch representing noncompliance during the postoperative period. Supplemental thumb MP pin fixation more effectively protects the UCL from valgus strain. UCL shortening with FPL loading likely represents paradoxical MP extension due to flexion of the distal phalanx against the distal splint, suggesting attempted thumb flexion with splint immobilization alone does not jeopardize UCL repair. This study provides a foundation to aid clinical decision-making after UCL repair. It reinforces the practice of surgeons who routinely pin their MP joints, but also brings to attention that the use of temporary MP pin fixation may be considered in difficult cases, such as those with potential noncompliance or tenuous repair.

Comparison of results after surgical repair of acute and chronic ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb

This study sought to demonstrate that successful outcomes can be achieved with the new technique presented here for chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, as well as with K-wire pinning for acute UCL injury. We followed 19 patients who suffered an UCL rupture (mean follow-up: 14.26±4.65 months) and 32 patients who presented with UCL avulsion fracture (mean follow-up: 16.81±7.54 months). We used a free tendon graft for UCL reconstruction in the UCL rupture group. Both ends of the graft were stabilized with bioabsorbable suture anchors, which were used as biotenodesis interference screws. Closed reduction and K-wire fixation was used in UCL avulsion fracture group. There were no statistically significant differences between operated and contralateral healthy thumb MCP joint in both groups in the grip strength, tip pinch strength, flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation movements at final follow-up. Grip strength, tip pinch strength, ulnar deviation and radial deviation were significantly better in the avulsion group than the rupture group. All patients regained full stability at the MCP joint in avulsion group; 16 patients regained full stability and 3 patients presented with mild laxity (less than 10° laxity) in rupture group. Glickel grading scale used as a functional score was excellent for 30 patients and good for 2 patients in avulsion group; it was excellent for 17 patients and good for 2 patients in rupture group. Our study shows that closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation of acute displaced large UCL avulsion fracture is a simple technique and achieves adequate stability of UCL. For UCL rupture, free tendon reconstruction with bioabsorbable suture anchors provides adequate stability and stable fixation within the tunnels.

Volar Capsulodesis of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint at the Time of Basal Joint Arthroplasty: A Surgical Technique Using Suture Anchors

To document the long-term results of our volar metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint capsulodesis technique that is completed concomitantly with basal joint arthroplasty and involves a suture anchor placement, short-term pinning, and a rigid hand therapy protocol. We conducted a retrospective chart review to examine results over a 30-month period of our volar capsulodesis technique. Follow-up results were recorded 26 to 48 months after surgery. The treatment regimen included suture anchors, joint pinning for 6 weeks, and a strict hand therapy protocol. Indications for surgery were thumb MCP joint hyperextension deformity of at least 30° and radiographic evidence of stage 3 (or greater) basal joint arthritis. We examined preoperative and postoperative range of motion, pain, pinch strength, and complications. Average patient age was 63 years (range, 55-77 y). We treated 14 thumbs in 14 patients. After capsulodesis, average range of motion for the MCP joint of the thumb was 4° extension and 46° flexion. The last follow-up indicated no cases of hyperextension contracture. Complications included one superficial pin track infection (treated with oral antibiotics) and one patient's report of pain at the thumb MCP joint. When completed as described, thumb MCP joint capsulodesis performed concurrently with trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty can be a straightforward procedure that produces positive results. Therapeutic IV.

Effect of Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis, Sex, and Handedness on Thumb In Vivo Kinematics

To investigate the influence of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA) on the 3-dimensional motion capability of the TMC and thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. In order to examine other factors affecting the thumb's motion kinematics, we further aimed to address the influence of sex and handedness on the motion capability of normal TMC and MCP joints. We included 18 healthy subjects (9 women, 9 men; 8 dominant hands, 10 nondominant hands) and 18 women with stage II/III TMC OA. A motion analysis system using surface markers was used to quantify the thumb's 3-dimensional opposition-reposition kinematics. Therange of motion of the thumb's TMC and MCP joints in flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and pronation-supination were determined. TMC OA led to a loss in abduction-adduction in the TMC joint (38° in controls, 26° inTMC OA subjects), although neither flexion-extension nor pronation-supination were affected. At the MCP joint, the TMC OA subjects showed a 48% reduction in abduction-adduction (32° controls, 16° TMC OA subjects) and 42% reduction in pronation-supination (34°in controls, 20° in TMC OA subjects) than the healthy controls. Ranges of motion of the healthy TMC and MCP joints were similar in dominant and nondominant hands as well as in women and men. The study demonstrated that stage II/III TMC OA restricts the motion of the TMCjoint in abduction-adduction and of the MCP joint in abduction-adduction and pronation-supination. Thumb motion capability was unaffected by sex and handedness. Osteoarthritis-induced loss of TMC motion did not reflect a generalizable clinical parameter, rather, it seemed to distinctly affect the TMC and the MCP joints and their motion planes and directions. As neither sex nor handedness influenced the motion capabilities of the healthy thumb, kinematic factors contributing to TMC OA may develop at a later age.

Luxation des tendons extenseurs du pouce : étude anatomique, clinique et nouvelle classification

The authors report on 11 cases of ulnar dislocation of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) due to rupture of the dorsal aponeurosis at the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. This condition is rare. By performing a descriptive study of this injury, we were able to establish a classification system for thumb extensor tendon dislocation. The series included 11 patients with a mean age of 27years. All patients presented with either varus or rotational thumb injury. This resulted in an active extension deficit in the thumb MCP joint with EPL dislocation behind the MCP. Surgery was required in all cases. We defined three different injury presentations: 1) dissociated form with isolated EPL dislocation, but the EPB still in place; 2) complete form with dislocation of both tendons on the ulnar side of the MCP; 3) dissociated or complete form associated with a severe sprain of the lateral collateral ligament of the thumb MCP joint. The surgical treatment was adapted to each case. A classification into three types of dislocation of the extensor tendons at the MCP joint of the thumb was established. This rare condition must be identified at the time of thumb MCP joint injury and also when harvesting the EPB. This new classification system has a diagnostic and therapeutic role as it precisely describes the dislocation type and the resulting damage. Only a surgical treatment can produce good repairs.

The Influence of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Rotation on the Evaluation of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries: A Biomechanical Study in a Cadaver Model

To determine whether variation in thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint pronosupination influences perceived ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) stability during clinical stress testing. Twelve fresh-frozen specimens underwent sequential evaluation for the following conditions: ligament intact (LI), proper UCL deficient (-pUCL), and proper and accessory UCL deficient (UCL). Valgus stress testing was completed in both 0° and 30° MCP joint flexion for thumb pronation, neutral, and supination. Compared with neutral MCP joint rotation, supination decreased and pronation increased stability such that established treatment guidelines could be incorrectly applied. During evaluation in supination and 0° flexion, 9/12 -pUCL had greater than 35° laxity and, similarly, the mean laxity of -pUCL was similar to the UCL group in neutral rotation and 0° flexion, incorrectly suggesting a complete ligament tear. In comparison, mean laxity of the *UCL in pronation and 0° flexion was not different than -pUCL in neutral rotation and 0° flexion, emphasizing the stabilizing effect of pronation. Thumb MCP joint pronosupination significantly influenced the evaluation of joint stability, where pronation improved valgus stability in contrast to supination that tended to increase joint instability, In pronation and 0° flexion, a complete UCL injury could be misdiagnosed as a partial injury. In supination and 30° flexion, an intact UCL could be misdiagnosed as a partial UCL injury. In supination and 0°, a partial UCL injury could be misdiagnosed as a complete UCL injury. Accurate evaluation of thumb UCL stability is critical for guiding treatment. Variations in thumb MCP joint rotation during stress testing may influence clinical interpretation and, therefore, we recommend standardization of testing with the thumb MCP joint in neutral rotation.

Small longitudinal S incision and page turning style of annular ligament partial resection to treat stenosing tenosynovitis of thumb flexor tendon.

BackgroundTo present the treatment outcome for patients with stenosing tenosynovitis of thumb flexor tendon treated with a small S incision and page turning style of annular ligament partial resection.Material/MethodsDuring a 2-year period between August 2011 and July 2013, 12 consecutive patients (mean age, 45.8 years) with stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb flexor tendon were prospectively enrolled into this study. All 12 patients underwent longitudinal S skin incision to expose annular ligament and thumb flexor tendon, and with page turning style of annular ligament partial resection to finish the operation. The average range of motion of metacarpophalangeal thumb joint, Quick disability of arm, shoulder, and hand and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Dysfunction score of arm and hand were primary outcome measures.ResultsThere were 9 cases of stiff metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb and 3 cases of snapping thumb for stenosing tenosynovitis. At 1-year follow-up, all stenosing tenosynovitis had healed by an average of 4 weeks. The average range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 37.1° (range, 34–40°). No patients had recurrence, cicatricial contraction, or postoperative infection. The average disability of arm, shoulder, and hand was 0.3 out of 100 (range, 0–1.67), and average Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Dysfunction score of arm and hand was 6.9 out of 40 (range, 0–15.6). All 12 patients stated that they were highly satisfied.ConclusionsSmall S incision and page turning style of annular ligament partial resection for stenosing tenosynovitis of thumb flexor tendon is a safe, simple, and reliable alternative treatment with minimal soft-tissue irritation, good functional results and recovery can be expected.

Outcomes After Repair of Subacute-to-Chronic Grade III Metacarpophalangeal Joint Collateral Ligament Injuries in the Lesser Digits Are Poor: Level 4 Evidence

Injury to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint collateral ligament of the lesser digits is less common than corresponding injuries in the thumb. Outcomes after thumb MCP joint collateral ligament repair are generally favorable. This study examines the outcome after primary repair of subacute-to-chronic grade III collateral ligament injuries of the MCP joints of the lesser digits. Our hypothesis was that the outcome after surgical treatment of these injuries is suboptimal.

Reconstruction of Chronic Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Radial Collateral Ligament Injuries With a Half-Slip of the Abductor Pollicis Brevis Tendon

To evaluate a reconstructive method for chronic radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint using a combination of RCL advancement and the transfer of a half-slip of the abductor pollicis brevis tendon. Eight patients (4 male and 4 female; mean age, 25 y) with chronic RCL injury of the thumb MCP joint were enrolled. All patients were referred to our institution because of continuing pain and instability on the radial side of the MCP joint when grasping or pinching objects. The mechanism of the injury was adduction stress to the thumb during sporting activities in 5 patients, a heavy object falling on the thumb in 1, and a fall in 2. The mean duration from RCL injury to surgery was 20 weeks. The average postoperative follow-up was 51 months. We evaluated postoperative outcomes including pain, range of motion of the thumb MCP joint, grip strength, key pinch strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, and ability to return to preinjury work or sporting activities. No patients demonstrated continuing symptoms, and the MCP joint was stable after surgery. Postoperative grip and pinch strength (37 and 6.3 kg, respectively) were increased compared with preoperative values (34 and 3.9 kg, respectively). All patients returned fully to their preinjury work or sporting activities within 6 months after surgery. Although postoperative flexion was decreased by an average of 6°, no patients noted functional deficiency. We recommend the reconstructive method of RCL advancement and transfer of a half-slip of the abductor pollicis brevis tendon to alleviate pain and improve grip and pinch strength in chronic RCL injuries of the thumb MCP joint.

Palmar plate capsulodesis for thumb metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension in association with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

Hyperextension of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is frequently seen with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis, but there is no consensus on the indication for, or type of, treatment. We re-examined 12 thumbs at a mean of 9 (range 6-13) years following MCP capsulodesis using a suture anchor performed with trapeziectomy. Mean MCP hyperextension improved from 45° pre-operatively to 19° at 1 year post-operatively. At 9 years follow-up, it had increased to 30° but was still significantly better than pre-operatively (p = 0.007). Mean MCP flexion was 37° and near normal opposition was retained. The median pain score had improved from 5.5 to 1 (p = 0.002). Thumb key and tip pinch and hand grip strength showed no significant change from pre-operative values. No thumb MCP had symptomatic radiological degeneration. Our results suggest that MCP capsulodesis preserves a useful range of MCP flexion but stretches out over time. However, this did not result in increased pain or thumb weakness.

Not all non-rheumatoid patients are satisfied with thumb metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis

Arthrodesis of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint exhibits good results in rheumatoid patients but is controversial in post-traumatic conditions. This study evaluated the subjective outcome after thumb MP joint arthrodesis in chronic injuries and non-rheumatoid degenerative disorders. Forty-six patients were evaluated retrospectively with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (range 1.5–6.5). Both the Quick DASH score (mean 18.6; range 0–72.7) and Visual Analogue Scales (satisfaction, pain, stiffness, and impairment of ADL; mean 3.2, 3.0, 3.0, and 2.5; range 0–9.6, 0–9.1, 0–9.8, and 0–9.6, respectively) showed wide variations. Twelve patients regretted the operation and 37 experienced difficulties with one or more specific activities. Multiple regression analyses indicated that elderly patients with painless instability are the best candidates for thumb MP joint arthrodesis. In young patients with excessively painful thumb MP joints and involvement in Workers' Compensation Board claims, but without advanced degenerative changes, this study recommends avoiding arthrodesis and considering alternative treatment modalities. The importance of adequate preoperative information about the realistic expectations after arthrodesis of the thumb MP joint is emphasised.

Fluoroscopy-Assisted Stress Testing of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint to Assess the Ulnar Collateral Ligament

Diagnostic stress testing of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is pivotal to determining treatment. Comparison to the uninjured extremity and fluoroscopy-assisted examination are readily available modalities in the assessment of these patients, with 5-10° differences impacting treatment. Comparative examination, however, assumes that both extremities are normally equal, which has never been verified experimentally. Comparison of clinical and fluoroscopic examination has also never been scrutinized. One hundred asymptomatic participants underwent both fluoroscopic and traditional stress examinations to determine maximum passive radial deviation at neutral MCP flexion. Absolute clinical vs. fluoroscopic differences demonstrated a significant difference of 5.6° (SD 5.1°). Absolute variability between left-to-right measurements was 4.5° (SD 4.1°) and increased significantly as baseline stress deviation increased (R = 0.43; p < 0.001). Left-to-right difference exhibited no correlation to age, gender, or BMI. The current investigation demonstrates right-left differences and differences between clinical and fluoroscopic testing of which practitioners should be aware when making treatment decisions for UCL injury of the thumb MCP joint.