Abstract
Objective The present retrospective analysis compares postoperative results of non-biological
ligament reconstruction (NBLR) for chronic injuries involving the first metacarpophalangeal
joint (MCPJ) and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
Materials and Methods A total of 18 patients with MCPJ injury underwent static non-biological ligament
reconstruction and were included in this retrospective case-control analysis. Preoperative,
postoperative, and contralateral thumb measurements (clinical, radiological, and subjective
outcome questionnaires) were compared over a mean follow-up of 38 months.
Results For the NBLR, the average postoperative ranges of motion of the MCPJs and the interphalangeal
joints were of 0 to 57.5° and 0 to 71° respectively. The average grip strength was
of 103.3%, and the average pinch strength was of 88.7% relative to the unaffected
hand. The subjects demonstrated stability with a firm endpoint comparable to unaffected
thumb. The average score on the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand
(QuickDASH) questionnaire among all patients was of 11.9 for the disability/symptom
module, 0 for the sports module, and 16.5 for the work module. Stiffness was reported
in four patients, and no wound issues or other complications were registered.
Conclusions The NBLR of the UCL of the thumb yields acceptable short-term outcomes, which may
enable a faster recovery and reincorporation into daily activities compared with biological
repairs.
Keywords
thumb - ligament - metacarpophalangeal joint - reconstruction
