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Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation
Steven J Lee1, Remy V Rabinovich1, Andrew Kim1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery Asian-Pacific Volume
|February 1, 2020
Summary
Thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair using suture tape augmentation shows promising short-term results. This technique may lead to a faster recovery and rehabilitation process for patients with thumb UCL injuries.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are common.
- Traditional repair methods have varying outcomes.
- Suture tape augmentation offers a potential improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel technique for thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation.
- To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of this technique.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation.
- Minimum one-year follow-up including clinical evaluation, radiographs, and outcome questionnaires (QuickDASH).
- Analysis of 13 out of 15 consecutive patients (87% follow-up rate), including those with acute and chronic tears.
Main Results:
- Achieved good range of motion (ROM) in thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints.
- Grip and pinch strength returned to near-normal levels compared to the unaffected hand.
- Demonstrated thumb stability with a firm endpoint; low QuickDASH scores reported.
- Four patients reported stiffness, with no wound complications.
Conclusions:
- Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation yields short-term outcomes comparable to existing methods.
- This technique may facilitate an accelerated recovery and rehabilitation period.
- Further research is warranted to confirm long-term efficacy.
