Aims. Complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb are a common injury, yet little is known about their current management in the UK. The objective of this study was to assess the way complete UCL ruptures are managed in the UK. Methods. We carried out a multicentre, survey-based cross-sectional study in 37 UK centres over a 16-month period from June 2022 to September 2023. The survey results were analyzed descriptively. Results. A total of 37 centres participated, of which nine were tertiary referral hand centres and 28 were district general hospitals. There was a total of 112 respondents (69 surgeons and 43 hand therapists). The strongest influence on the decision to offer surgery was the lack of a firm ‘endpoint’ to stressing the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) in either full extension or with the MCPJ in 30° of flexion. There was variability in whether additional imaging was used in managing acute UCL injuries, with 46% routinely using additional imaging while 54% did not. The use of a bone anchor was by far the most common surgical option for reconstructing an acute ligament avulsion (97%, n = 67) with a transosseous suture used by 3% (n = 2). The most common duration of immobilization for those managed conservatively was six weeks (58%, n = 65) and four weeks (30%, n = 34). Most surgeons (87%, n = 60) and hand therapists (95%, n = 41) would consider randomizing patients with complete UCL ruptures in a future clinical trial. Conclusion. The management of complete UCL ruptures in the UK is highly variable in certain areas, and there is a willingness for clinical trials on this subject. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):708–714

Aim: To describe a new radiological sign after rupture of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament. Introduction: Rupture of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament is a commonly missed injury, with delayed diagnosis leading to considerable morbidity. Stress radiographs and MRI scans have been used to diagnose chronic (gamekeepers thumb) or acute (skiers thumb) injuries to this ligament. The former often causes discomfort and the latter are often not readily available. We describe a new radiological sign seen on the lateral radiographs of the thumb, which has previously not been described in the literature. The ‘sag sign’ is volar subluxation of the proximal phalanx in relation to the metacarpal at the metacarpal phalangeal joint. Method: Between 2001–2006, radiographs of nineteen patients who had undergone repair of thumb ulnar collateral ligaments were retrospectively reviewed. There were 12 male and 7 female patients with an average age of 44. These were compared to a control group of normal thumb radiographs. The ‘sag sign’ was present on all the lateral radiographs of thumbs with ulnar collateral ligament tears. Once the ligament was repaired, the metacarpophalangeal joint alignment returned to normal. The sign was validated by senior house officers and registrars in orthopaedics training. Conclusion: The sag sign is a reliable indicator of an underlying injury to the thumb ulnar collateral ligament. Many studies have looked at the radiological diagnosis of this commonly missed injury. Stress radiography and ultrasound require straining an injured thumb which can extend the lesion and cause discomfort. MRI and MR arthrography are both sensitive and specific, but are costly and time consuming. Our sign is evident on plain film, is easily available, and does not require additional apparatus

There is no consensus for the appropriate surgical management of chronic ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the thumb. A systematic review of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ePub Ahead of Print was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting of Items in Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and formal protocol registered with PROSPERO. Two authors collated data from 10 studies that met strict inclusion criteria, using various surgical techniques in 131 thumbs. Results were heterogenous and metanalysis of results not possible. These data were, therefore, qualitatively assessed and synthesised. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Direct repair, reconstruction with free tendon or bone-tissue-bone grafts and arthrodesis all demonstrated favourable outcomes with Patient Reported Outcome Measures. Direct repair can be safely performed more than two months following injury, with a positive mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 13.5 despite evidence of radiographic osteoarthritis. Arthrodesis should be considered in heavy manual laborers or those at risk of osteoarthritis as it provides significant reduction in pain (Mean Visual Analogue Score of 1.2) when compared to other methods. Free tendon grafting has been criticised for failure rates and poor functional grip strength, however collated analysis of 97 patients found a single graft rupture and mean grip strength of 97% (of the contralateral thumb). Bone-tissue-bone grafting was the least effective method across all outcome measures. Studies included were at high risk of bias, however, it can be concluded that delayed direct repair can be performed safely, while arthrodesis may benefit certain patient subgroups. New findings suggest poor efficacy of bone-tissue-bone grafts, but that free tendon grafting with palmaris longus are in fact safe with good restoration of grip strength. The optimal graft and configuration are yet to be determined for reconstructive methods

We describe a new a technique for reconstructiing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, and test this new technique biomechanically comparing it with an established technique. The UCL is commonly injured in the throwing athlete. We describe a reconstruction using semi-tendinosis allograft with humeral fixation by interference knot. 30 fresh frozen cadaveric arms were harvested and amputated at the mid-humerus. Soft tissue was stripped to the level of the elbow sparing the UCL. The native ligament was ruptured in a materials testing machine (Bionix 858, MTS) by placing a rotational torque on the humerus, with the elbow was fixed at a right angle. Load to failure and stiffness were noted. These arms were randomly assigned to be reconstructed with one of three techniques: 1. Palmaris longus allograft with docking technique humeral fixation 2. Palmaris longus allograft with interference knot humeral fixation 3. Semitendinosis allograft with interference knot humeral fixation The techniques were then tested in the materials testing machine, load to failure and stiffness were noted. Group 1: load to failure 13.31 N/m (+/− 4.2) and stiffness 19.4 N/mm. Group 2: load to failure 13.86 N/m (+/− 5.5) and stiffness 19.1 N/mm. Group 3: load to failure 20.57 (+/− 7.4) and stiffness 20.4 N/mm. The semitendinosis interference technique had a significantly higher strength (p< 0.005) but was not significantly stiffer. None of the techniques approached the strength or stiffness of the native ligament: load to failure 34.2 N/mm and stiffness 45.3N/mm. A new technique to reconstruct the UCL of the elbow uses interference knot fixation in the humeral tunnel. When a palmaris longus allograft is used this technique has a similar biomechanical profile to the established docking technique. When semi-tendinosis is used this technique is significantly stronger and may result in earlier rehabilitation in the clinical setting

Aims: We evaluated a novel modification of a technique presented by Drey and Eaton (1993). The need of temporary K-wire fixation of the MP joint was questioned by randomisation. Methods: 30 consecutive patients with late instability of the thumb UCL were randomised in two groups (group1: K-wire fixation of the MP joint for 6 weeks, group 2: no internal fixation) and operated on. External immobilisation was used for 6 weeks in both groups. The follow-ups including clinical examination, X-rays and MRI study (10 patients) were at 8 weeks, 12 and 24 months. So far 26 patients have been followed up for 1 year and 15 patients for 2 years. Results: Stability of the MP joint improved from preop.(average yield) 58o (56°vs.59°= group 1 vs. group 2, n.s.) to 18° (17° vs. 19°n.s.) at one year and to 26°(20°vs. 30°n.s.) at 2 years. Compared to the uninjured hand key pinch strength improved from preop. 74% (81% vs. 69% n.s.) to 95% (97% vs. 93% n.s.) at 1 year and to 100% (102% vs. 98% n.s.) at 2 years. The pulp pinch strength improved from preoperative 65% (68% vs. 63% n.s.) to 98% (98% vs. 97% n.s.) at 1 year and to 108% (109% vs. 107% n.s.) at two years. 18 (69%) of 26 patients (73% vs. 67%) followed at least 1 year revealed the result as good or excellent, 6 (23%) patients (27% vs. 20%) revealed the result as fair and 3 (12%) patients (9% vs.13%) revealed the result as poor. All patients returned to their previous work. Conclusions: This new technique provided good improvement in stability and strength of the thumb. Temporary K-wire fixation of the MP joint seems to have no influence on the outcome so far.

Posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) is the most common type of elbow instability. It is caused by an insufficiency of the lateral ligamentous complex, which consists mainly of the radial collateral ligament (RCL) and the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL). Investigate the influence of serial sectioning of the lateral ligamentous complex on elbow stability in a cadaveric model of PLRI. Kinematics of six fresh frozen cadaveric elbow specimens were measured by digitizing anatomical marks with a Microscribe 3DLX digitizing system (Revware Inc, Raleigh, NC). Each specimen was tested under four conditions: Intact, LUCL tear, LUCL and RCL tear, and complete Tear (LUCL, RCL and capsule tear). Each specimen was tested in 30°, 60° and 90° elbow flexion angles. Varus- laxity was measured in supination, pronation, and neutral forearm rotation positions and total forearm rotation was measured with 0.3 Nm of torque. Statistical significant differences between the conditions were detected using a two-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. The radial head dislocated in all specimens in LUCL and RCL tear and Comp but not in LUCL tear. Total forearm ROM did not increase form intact to LUCL tear (p>0.05) but significantly increased in LUCL and RCL tear (p=0.0002) and complete tear (p<0.0001) in all flexion angles. Additionally, ROM in LUCL tear significantly differed from LUCL and RCL tear and complete tear (p=0.0027 and p=0.0002). A similar trend was seen with the varus angle. While there was a significant difference when the intact condition was compared to both the LUCLand RCL tear and complete tear conditions (p<0.0001 and p<0.0001), there was no difference between the intact and LUCL tear conditions. LUCL tear alone is not sufficient to cause instability and increase ROM and varus angle, meanwhile the increase of ROM and varus angle with additional capsular tear was not significant compared to LUCL and RCL tear. The increase of ROM after LUCL and RCL tear is an unknown symptom of PLRI

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), non constrained or semi-constrained prostheses can be used. The authors used the Kudo III, IV or V or iBP prostheses 54 times from 1994 to 2003. After initial satisfactory results, they had to change one or both implants for several reasons: humeral stem fracture (5 cases), unipolar humeral loosening (1 case), ulnar loosening without laxity (8 cases), polyethylene wear (11 cases), due to progressive ulnar collateral ligament lengthening and progressive valgus deformity, without or with metallosis, due to contact between Cr-Co humeral component and titanium alloy ulnar component, chronic infection (1 case). When the local conditions were satisfactory (bone stock, ligament balance), the fractured or loosened component was changed. When the conditions were bad (poor bone stock, ligament misbalance, metallosis), both implants were removed; posterior humeral and/or medial or lateral ulnar window were used to removed the uncemented stems still osteointegrated. All the bipolar operations used the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis, but the last case a Discovery prosthesis. The operative tricks are described, the management of the extensor apparatus is discussed, the clinical outcomes (especially the extensor apparatus function, most often weak) and the radiographic outcomes are presented

Various authors have linked hypermobility at the trapeziometacarpal joint to future development of arthritis. When examining hypermobility, the anterior oblique ligament (AOL) and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) are the two most important supporting structures. Literature suggests that reconstructive techniques to correct the hypermobility can prevent subsequent development of osteoarthritis. Eaton and Littler proposed a surgical technique to reconstruct the ligamentous support of this joint in 1973. This cadaveric biomechanical study aimed to evaluate the resultant effect on the mobility of the thumb metacarpal following this reconstructive technique. Seventeen cadaveric hands were prepared and strategically placed on a jig. Movements at the trapeziometacarpal joint were created artificially. Static digital photographs were taken with intact AOL and UCL at trapeziometacarpal joint (controls), for later comparison with those after sectioning of these ligaments and following Eaton-Littler reconstructive technique. The photographic records were analyzed using Scion.Image. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab. A paired T-test was used to establish statistical relevance. Results confirmed that the AOL and UCL had a major role in limiting excessive motion at the trapeziometacarpal joint, principally in extension. Division of these ligaments produced a significant degree of subluxation of the metacarpal at this joint with thumb in neutral position (p-value = 0.013). Reconstruction of the ligamentous support using the Eaton-Littler technique reduced the degree of extension available (p-value = 0.005). This study confirmed the important role of the AOL and UCL in maintaining trapeziometacarpal joint stability, and that the Eaton-Littler reconstructive technique reduces the degree of hyperextension at this joint

Introduction: The metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb is prone to frequent injury in the capsule and collateral ligaments, especially the ulnar collateral ligament. Delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment or progressive laxity of the ligament complex can lead to chronic instability of the MCP joint of the thumb. Various surgical repair procedures have been described. We present the surgical procedure consisting of a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft taken from the second tunnel of the flexor retinaculum of the carpus. Purpose: Our purpose is to present the experience of seven cases in which chronic instability of the thumb was treated using a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft. Materials and methods:. Type of study: Descriptive. Period: 2003–2004. Number of cases: 7 (4 women and 3 men) aged 23 to 65. Injury-to-surgery time more than one year. Results:. - We achieved stability of the MCP joint in all cases. - The metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint balance was not diminished. - The grasp force was sustained at over 80% of that of the healthy side. - Two elderly women were not employed; the other five returned to their previous jobs. Conclusions: Given the results obtained, we think this is an excellent method for deferred reconstruction of thumb instability and, although it involves considerable technical difficulty, we feel it is an option to bear in mind for this type of injury

The MP joint is the key joint for function of the fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis involvement of this joint is frequent (1/3 of patients), and results in severe painful deformity and functional loss. The factors leading to the classic ulnar drift and volar luxation are multiple but the permanent pathophysiological element is synovitis of the joint. No deformation will occur in the MP joint without synovitis. Etiopathogenesis: The causes of MP joint deformity in Rheumatoid arthritis are anatomical, pathological and indirect. The asymmetry of the metacarpal heads with a slight ulnar tilt induce the deformation in this direction. The weakness and the length of the radial collateral ligaments compared to the ulnar collateral ligament makes the laxity to occur on the radial side of the joint. The obliquity of the extensor tendons pull the fingers ulnarly with a tendency of dislocation over the MP joints. Synovitis is at the origin of elongation, rupture or destruction of the ligaments, attrition of the cartilage and bone resorption. The distention of the extensor hood predominate radially and accentuate the extensor tendon obliquity. The destruction of the A1 pulley of the flexor tendon participate to the volar luxation of the joints. The ulnar sliding and radial tilt of the carpus, the tension of Abductor Digiti Minimi and the contracture of the intrinsic muscle participate indirectly or aggravate the deformation. The thumb force in pinch grip and the ulnar deviation of the finger in heavy prehension participate also to the deformation. Classification: Without prognostic factor the following classification gives information on the stage of the deformation and the treatment that can be proposed. synovitis without deformation, normal radiographs. synovitis with ulnar deviation, normal radiographs. synovitis with ulnar deviation and volar subluxation, volar luxation on radiographs with almost normal cartilage. ulnar deviation and volar luxation with or without active synovitis, destroyed cartilage and more or less bone erosion on radiographs. Synovectomi with stabilization and realignment procedures can only be used in stage 1 and 2. In stage 3 and 4 arthroplasty is more appropriate. Treatment: Indication are pain, loss of function and cosmesis. Synovectomy. The prophylactic effect of synovectomy is still subject to debate. The almost impossible total synovectomy, the difficulties to control the effect of the procedure and the different stage in disease of each patient make the synovectomy unpredictable as a real prophylactic procedure. Stabilization and realignment procedures has always to be part of a synovectomy. If the destruction of the cartilage and the bone erosion are irreversible process, the elongation of the ligaments or the destruction of their bony insertions can always be reconstructed. For this purpose different techniques can be used. Suture of the extensor hood on the radial side enables reorientation of the extensor tendons. The radial collateral ligaments can be strengthened or their attachments reinserted, the Abductor Digiti Minimi or the intrinsic tendons can be divided. Some tendon transfers (intrinsic, Extensor Indicis Proprius) can also be proposed. Arthroplasty. The choice of the procedure depends most of the surgeon preferences. The silicon arthroplasties are the most often used. They associate a reduction of the ulnar and volar deformation and opened the hand with very good results on the aspect of the hand and on pain. The mobility of the MP joints is variable and depends of the mobility of the finger joints. The bone erosion and the rupture of these devices are in favor of autologous interposition arthroplasties which, on the other hand, gives lesser mobility and stability. For these reasons silicon and interposition arthroplasties are often indicated late in the MP joint destruction process. More recently, new non constrained implants have been proposed in order to offer an earlier treatment. When used with good ligament reconstruction and tendon rebalancing these devices have good results on pain, cosmesis and function. If the preliminary results are confirmed in the long term, these non constrained devices will have a good indication as early MP joint replacement in the active young rheumatoid patient. Conclusion: MP joint deformity in rheumatoid arthritis is complex. The Etiopathogenesis will guide the treatment most appropriate in each patient. However some principles has to be respected in all cases. A good stabilization and recentralization is the key stone of the surgical procedure. The ulnar deviation can be reduced and corrected by ligaments and tendon procedures. The volar subluxation/luxation indicates an advanced deformity of the MP joint that requires arthroplasty

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to gather epidemiological information on selected musculoskeletal injuries and to provide pooled injury-specific incidence rates.