[Ulnar collateral ligament injury to the thumb]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Hand and Wrist Surgery

Background:

• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) instability is a frequent and disabling condition affecting individuals across all age groups.
• It can manifest as either an acute traumatic injury or a chronic degenerative process.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic approaches for UCL instability.
• To summarize current treatment strategies for acute and chronic UCL injuries.
• To outline surgical indications and management for severe cases.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis relies on a combination of thorough medical history, objective physical examination, and radiological assessment.
• Ultrasound is recommended for evaluating acute UCL injuries.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred modality for assessing chronic UCL injuries.

Main Results:

• Partial UCL tears are typically managed non-surgically through immobilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint.
• Complete UCL ruptures necessitate surgical intervention for optimal recovery.
• Chronic UCL injuries presenting with symptomatic osteoarthritis are managed with arthrodesis.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of UCL instability requires accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment based on injury characteristics.
• Non-surgical and surgical options provide viable pathways for restoring function.
• Arthrodesis remains a treatment option for advanced chronic cases with osteoarthritis.