Rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb

Abstract

The results after operations for rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb are reported to be good. Few authors describe the measurements used to assess the postoperative function of the thumb. We review the results of 15 patients, who underwent surgery between 1982 and 1987. We found that the number of patients satisfied with the operation was consistent with that reported in the literature. On the other hand, we found poor agreement between the subjective complaints and the objective findings. We therefore propose and describe a scoring system to assess subjective impressions of the result and the objective findings. Surgical procedures are not discussed. However, the duration of immobilization of the thumb should, perhaps, be reconsidered. Further studies may show that a shorter period of immobilization in plaster, the use of dynamic bandaging, or early starting of physiotherapy produce better results. © 1993.