[Synthetic ligament reconstruction of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. 21 cases]

Since 1984, the authors have performed ligamentoplasties of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint of the thumb with Dacron mesh. A series of 21 cases is reviewed and tested clinically with a mean follow-up of 34 months. The MP joint remained stable. Loss of flexion of the MP joint was 30% of the healthy side. The mobility of the interphalangeal joint remained normal. Opposition ranged between 8 and 10/10 for 20 of the 21 patients. The mean overall reduction in strength was 30% on the dominant side and 20% of the non-dominant side. Apart from two failures by arthrodesis, all patients were very satisfied with their operation.