Percutaneous Reconstruction of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb: Technique and Results

Abstract

Objectives The present study aims to describe a new percutaneous technique for the reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb with a tendon graft, and to evaluate the functional outcomes and stability six months postoperatively. Material and methods The percutaneous ligamentoplasty technique was performed with a palmaris longus tendon graft and tenodesis screws in 6 patients with ulnar instability of the thumb (> 30° degrees of radial deviation) for more than 6 weeks. Range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength (lateral/key pinch, tip pinch, and palmar pinch) were assessed in comparison to the contralateral limb, as well as the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Results At 6 months, the joint movement was of 100%, the grip strength was of 94.8%, the key pinch was of 95%, the palmar pinch was of 85.7%, and the tip pinch was of 93.5% compared to the contralateral limb. The internal tilt was of 14° compared to 9° at the contralateral limb. The Quick DASH score decreased from 24.2 to 2.6 points. Conclusion We devised this versatile surgical procedure to obtain early mobility with the advantages related to the percutaneous techniques.