Management of Complex Hand and Wrist Ligament Injuries.

Ligamentous injuries in the hand and wrist are often underdiagnosed and can present with significant functional limitations if there is untimely recognition of injury. Adequate repair or reconstruction is critical in restoring joint stability and mobility. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the metacarpophalangeal joint, scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL), and non-SLIL carpal ligament anatomy, diagnosis, imaging, treatment consideration and options, as well as surgical techniques encompassing repair, reconstruction, and fusion.

Implant-free anatomical reconstruction of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint chronic ulnar collateral ligament injuries.

A technique is described to treat chronic instability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb caused by rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament using a palmaris longus tendon graft without implants. Good results were obtained in eight patients.

Acute Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury: Diagnosis, Management, and Return to Sports Considerations.

ABSTRACT: Thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament injuries are common in athletes and range from mild sprains to complete retracted tears. The typical injury mechanism of a valgus force directed onto an abducted or extended thumb is frequently seen in certain sporting activities, such as skiing, football, and baseball. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are excellent imaging supplements to the clinical evaluation for diagnosis confirmation. Positive treatment outcomes have been demonstrated when these injuries are appropriately managed both nonoperatively and surgically. When deciding on a treatment plan, it is paramount to take the athlete's injury severity and sport-specific factors into account. The aim of this review is to summarize the sport epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and return to play considerations for athletes who sustain an acute thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament injury.

Does Irreducibility Always Mean a Complex Dislocation? An Analysis of 33 Pediatric Metacarpophalangeal Joint Dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Previous failed reduction and certain radiographic indicators historically have been used to differentiate simple and complex metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) dislocations in children, the latter of which warrants open reduction. This investigation aimed to determine the necessity for open reduction with these indicators and establish a new treatment algorithm and educational focus for these rare injuries. METHODS: A 12-year retrospective study was conducted on all children with MPJ dislocations at a single pediatric hospital. The rates of successful closed reduction, number of reduction attempts, and radiographic findings were detailed. Operative details and postoperative outcomes were also gathered. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 11.1 years were included. Most were male [ n = 27 (82%)] and had undergone two or more previous reduction attempts at an outside facility. Stable closed reduction was then achieved outside of the operating room in five patients and in the operating room under general anesthesia in another 14, for a total of 19 of 33 patients (57.6%). The thumb was injured most often [ n = 19 (57.6%)] and more likely to undergo successful closed reduction ( P = 0.04). There was no relationship between number of previous reduction attempts and ability to achieve closed reduction ( P = 0.72). Neither joint-space widening nor proximal phalanx bayonetting was correlated radiographically with failure of closed reduction ( P = 0.22 and P = 1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports closed reduction of pediatric MPJ dislocations in the operating room under general anesthesia before conversion to open reduction, regardless of injury characteristics or previous reduction attempts. This strategy is likely to limit unnecessary open surgery and related risks. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, IV.

Metacarpophalangeal Joint Reconstruction by Vascularized Partial Metatarsophalangeal Joint Transplantation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 27-year-old man underwent metacarpophalangeal joint reconstruction of his right middle finger using vascularized tissue from the distal component of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the right second toe. The donor site was reconstructed using a portion of the iliac bone and overlying tendinous fiber. The reconstructed metacarpophalangeal joint was stable 2 years postoperatively, and the arc of active motion was 80°. The reconstructed metatarsophalangeal joint did not interfere with walking. Radiography revealed the satisfactory condition of these joints. CONCLUSION: Depending on the type of defective joint and soft tissue injuries, vascularized partial joint transplantation could be considered for reconstruction.

Clinical and functional outcomes of surgical treatment of grade III ulnar collateral ligament injuries of thumb metacarpophalangeal joint.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of three surgical techniques (subperiosteal suture, bone anchor and direct repair) for the management of severe acute ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2015 and 2020, 230 collateral ligament injuries required surgical treatment in our department. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 100 were included in the study. The Glickel score and functional scores such as QuickDASH and PRWE were assessed. Time to return to work and to sport was quantified. RESULTS: Ulnar collateral ligament injuries affected men who were statistically younger than women (41.8 years old vs 48.3). Subperiosteal suture was the preferred technique (81%), then bone anchor reattachment (12%) and direct repair (7%). All three techniques produced excellent stability (91-100%). Better range of motion was reported in the subperiosteal group, but better strength was found in the bone anchor group. Subperiosteal suture had 89% excellent and good results, while there was 83% in the bone anchor group and 71% in the direct repair group. Mean time to return to work was 2 months in the bone anchor group versus 3 months in the subperiosteal group. Mean QuickDASH was 8.7/100 and mean PRWE was 7.1/100. CONCLUSION: This is the biggest case series to date on surgical treatment of severe ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. The subperiosteal technique is simpler and less expensive. While the results are not often described in the literature, it produces comparable clinical and functional outcomes to bone anchor reattachment with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

[Open metacarpophalangeal dislocation]. / La luxation métacarpo- phalangienne ouverte.

Open metacarpophalangeal dislocation Abstract. Dislocation of a finger is a pathology often encountered in emergency centers. The following case example provides a reminder of its management and the situations in which the patient should be referred to the specialist.

Résumé. La luxation d'un doigt est une pathologie souvent rencontrée dans les centres d'urgence. L'exemple du cas suivant permet un rappel sur sa prise en charge et les situations dans lesquelles le patient doit être référé au spécialiste.

Use of an Abductor Pollicis Brevis Tendon Slip for Reconstruction of the Radial Collateral Ligament of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint: An Anatomical Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is commonly performed for chronic injuries. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical feasibility and reliability of using the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) tendon to reconstruct the RCL. METHODS: Ten cadaver arms were dissected to evaluate the relationship between insertions of the RCL and APB. A slip of the APB was divided from tendon and reflected proximally. The dissected tendon was deemed sufficient for reconstruction if it could be reflected to the footprint of the RCL origin. The size of the dissected APB slip was then compared with that of the RCL. RESULTS: The dissected slip of the APB could be fully reflected proximally to the RCL origin in all specimens. The APB insertion was also found to be closely approximated to the RCL insertion, averaging 2.1 mm distal and 1.8 mm dorsal. Significant differences existed between the lengths (P < .001) of the APB slip and RCL, with no significant difference in widths (P = .051). CONCLUSIONS: A sufficient APB tendon slip can be obtained to reliably reconstruct the RCL of the thumb MP. The location of the APB insertion closely approximates the RCL insertion.

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

INTRODUCTION: Collateral 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. METHODS: Twenty-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). RESULTS: Among 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%. CONCLUSION: The 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 EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Kaplan's Lesion: A Case Report On The Complex Dislocation Of The Index Finger In A Weightlifter.

Background: Complex Dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the hand is a rare and unusual injury. These are also called as Kaplan's Lesion. They are divided into complex/irreducible and simple/reducible dislocation. Two approaches exist regarding their surgical intervention. We present a case of a 36-year-old weightlifter who presented to us with this uncommon entity and who was successfully treated with a dorsal approach. This case is presented to highlight the occurrence of this dislocation along with a brief discussion on its etiopathogenesis and management.

Extensor hood injuries in elite boxers: injury characteristics, surgical technique and outcomes.

We describe our experience of managing extensor hood injuries in boxers (57 fingers). The diagnosis was mostly clinical, with imaging only if the diagnosis was equivocal. The middle (61%) and index (26%) digits were most frequently injured. On exploration, 26% had no hood tear, however all required tenolysis from the adherent capsule. Of 42 hood tears, 15 were central splits between adjacent extensor tendons in the index or little fingers,15 tears were on the ulna side of the extensor tendon and 12 tears were on the radial side. A pseudobursa was encountered in 35%, capsular tears in 28% and chondral injury in one patient. Longitudinal curved metacarpophalangeal joint incisions were used, with hood repair performed in flexion using a locked running suture. Mean postoperative metacarpophalangeal joint flexion was 90°. Ninety-eight per cent returned to the same level of boxing at a mean of 8 months (range 1-24) from surgery. One finger was revised for re-rupture 6 months later. A reproducible technique for treating these injuries is described, with patients able to return to boxing with little risk of complications.Level of evidence: IV.

Locking of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb Caused by Entrapment of the Radial Sesamoid Bone.

Locking of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the thumb may be a consequence of dorsal subluxation from hyperextension injury. The joint is locked in mild hyperextension and cannot flex actively or passively. We report four patients with locked MCP joint of the thumb due to radial sesamoid entrapment after hyperextension or forced flexion injury. All patients had a prominent radial condyle of the metacarpal bone. Three patients had a deformity of the longitudinal groove on which the sesamoid was overlaid. The radial sesamoid was entrapped proximal to the radial condyle which could result in limited extension and hinged flexion of the joint. Excision of the radial sesamoid could release the locked joint. The radial sesamoid should be assessed if the motion of the thumb MCP joint is limited after flexion or extension injury. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Sagittal Band Injury and Extensor Tendon Realignment.

The sagittal bands are structurally important, aiding in the central alignment of the extensor tendons over the heads of each metacarpal. They resist the deviation of the tendon with flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Injury to the sagittal band can cause the extensor tendon to lose its alignment leading to pain, tendon subluxation, or dislocation. Generally, if these injuries are recognized and treated within 3 weeks of injury, they will not require surgery. The goal of surgery is to restore the anatomic alignment of the extensor tendon by either direct repair of the sagittal band or reconstruction.

Collateral Ligament Ruptures of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint A Review of 500 Surgical Cases.

A retrospective review was conducted of 500 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for complete collateral ligament ruptures of their thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints comprising 362 ulnar collateral and 138 radial collateral ligaments. Complete rupture was confirmed in all cases at surgery. When surgery was carried out within 3 weeks of the injury, reinsertion of the ligament was pos- sible in 98% of cases. When surgery was performed after 3 weeks, reinsertion of the ligament was possible in 45% of ulnar and 68% of radial injuries. Reconstruction utilizing a free tendon graft was required for the other cases. All patients who had surgery within 3 weeks of their injuries regained stable, pain free thumbs. Surgery was less suc- cessful in patients who had surgery after 3 weeks and the failure rate was 5%. Surgery within 3 weeks of the injury permitted re-insertion of the ligament in almost all cases. We propose that avulsions treated within that period be referred to as "acute" injuries and those treated later as "chronic." Treatment of acute injuries is preferred because they rarely require reconstruction, and the results were better than when surgery was performed for chronic injuries. Repair of thumb MP collateral ligaments is predictably possible within 3 weeks of injury but less likely if surgery is delayed after that time period.

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.

Kaplan's Lesion in a Child: A Case Report.

Kaplan's lesion is a rare complex metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. A 7-year-old female child presented with pain, swelling and inability to move her right index finger. Her mother gave a history of sustaining a fall injury on the same hand around 3 weeks back. Radiographs showed a complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. As the injury was already 3 weeks old at presentation, a few attempts at closed reduction were tried, under anaesthesia, which was unsuccessful. So, the patient underwent open reduction through a dorsal approach. At a 1-year follow-up, the patient was pain-free and had regained full range of motion of the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. The differential diagnosis of Kaplan's lesion should be considered when a child presents with finger dislocation. Keywords: joint dislocations; metacarpophalangeal joint; open reduction.

Long-term outcomes following surgical repair of acute injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint ulnar collateral ligament.

The primary aim of this study was to describe the long-term patient reported outcomes following surgical repair of acute injuries to the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The secondary aims were to describe the long-term health related quality of life, patient satisfaction and complication rate. From a single surgeon series, 30 patients were identified over an 11 year period (February 2000-February 2011). QuickDASH, EQ-5D-5L, and satisfaction scores were collected from 22 patients (73%) at mean 183 month follow up. The median QuickDASH score was 2.27. Median EQ-5D-5L was 0.88. Satisfaction rate was 82%, Net Promotor Score was 90. Significantly worse QuickDASH scores were seen in patients that developed MCP joint arthrosis or had had subsequent ipsilateral hand injuries (median 39.7 vs 2.27; p = 0.002). All the patients employed at the time of surgery returned to work without long-term adaptations. Surgical repair of acute UCL injury generally provides an excellent long-term functional outcome and satisfaction rate. Complications are rare but where MCP joint arthrosis develops functional outcomes can be significantly worse.

Ultrasound evaluation of the first finger's sesamoid bones: diagnostic value of sesamoid and subsesamoid indices.

PURPOSE: Our analysis focuses explicitly on applying two sonographic and morphological indexes (sesamoid index and subsesamoid index) to better evaluate post-traumatic consequences to the sesamoids of the first finger. METHODS: In 2 years, we enrolled 75 patients, divided into two groups: 60 without any history of trauma and 15 reporting hyperextension trauma of the first finger. We performed clinical and instrumental examinations (sonography and X-ray) on patients with one or more symptoms compatible with sesamoiditis, while an MRI scan was performed only on patients with an acute onset and severe symptomatology. We measured both the short and long-axis diameter (in mm) for each sesamoid as well as the relation between the two parameters (sesamoid index, SI and subsesamoid index, SubI). RESULTS: All 15 patients showed sonographic alterations of the SI above the reference range, while the alterations of SubI varied according to the acuteness and gravity of trauma. In all cases, the X-ray did not show any relevant alterations. MRI scans in patients with acute symptoms confirmed the sonographic findings. CONCLUSION: Sonography enabled diagnosis of micro-injuries which were invisible to X-Ray and allowed to detect possible damages to the sesamoid complex, providing a qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the post-traumatic alteration of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the 1st finger and is therefore valid, combined with clinical examination and hand X-ray, in the evaluation of sesamoiditis without the need to perform further examinations.

Reconstruction of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Ulnar Collateral Ligament With an Adductor Pollicis Slip: An Anatomic Evaluation.

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint is commonly performed for chronic injuries. This study evaluates the anatomic feasibility of using a part of the adductor pollicis tendon to reconstruct UCL. METHODS: Ten cadaveric arms were dissected to evaluate the relationship between the insertions of UCL and the adductor pollicis. A slip of the adductor pollicis was divided from the tendon and transposed dorsally. The dissected tendon was deemed sufficient for reconstruction if it could be reflected to the footprint of the UCL origin. The size of the adductor pollicis slip was then compared with that of UCL. RESULTS: The dissected slip of the adductor pollicis could be fully reflected proximally to the UCL origin in all the specimens, and the insertion was also found to be closely approximated to the UCL insertion, averaging 2 mm distally and 0.6 mm dorsally. CONCLUSIONS: A sufficiently sized partial adductor pollicis tendon can be obtained to reconstruct UCL of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, and the location of the adductor pollicis insertion closely approximates that of the UCL insertion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The anatomic relationship evaluated in this study relates to a recently described method of the reconstruction of UCL of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint that does not require free tendon harvest. This study shows that the technique is anatomically feasible.

Thumb Injuries and Instabilities. Part 2: Spectrum of Lesions.

The motor function of the thumb and its alignment with regard to the hand make it particularly vulnerable to trauma. Pathology encountered in this joint is varied, and imaging techniques play a crucial role in the diagnosis and characterization of injury. Despite advances in imaging technology, acute thumb injuries remain a challenge for radiologists. Currently, standard radiography and ultrasonography are frequently used first-line imaging techniques. Computed tomography is most often indicated for complex fractures and dislocations. Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to optimally characterize soft tissues and bone marrow. In this article, we cover the most common traumatic injuries: fractures, dislocations, collateral ligament injuries of the metacarpophalangeal joint, as well as soft tissue lesions.