Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (01) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. Lee ◽  
Remy V. Rabinovich ◽  
Andrew Kim

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe our technique of thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with suture tape augmentation and to evaluate the short-term outcomes in our initial series of patients treated with this method of repair. Methods: Patients with minimum one-year follow up after isolated UCL repair with suture tape augmentation were contacted for clinical evaluation, radiographs, and postoperative outcome questionnaires, including the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and study-specific questions. Thirteen of 15 (87%) consecutive patients who were treated using this method of repair were available for follow-up, 9 with acute tears and 4 with chronic tears. Results: Average post-operative thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joint range-of-motion (ROM) was 0–57.5° and 0–71°, respectively, for chronic tears and 2.2–53.9° and 0–71°, respectively, for acute tears. Average grip and pinch strength relative to the unaffected hand was 102% and 84%, respectively, among patients with chronic tears and 103.3% and 88.7%, respectively, among those with acute tears. All patients demonstrated stability with a firm endpoint, relative to the unaffected thumb. The average QuickDASH score among all patients was 11.9 for the disability/symptom module, 0 for the sport module and 16.5 for the work module. Stiffness was reported among 4 patients and no patient suffered wound-related issues or other complications. Conclusions: Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation demonstrates short-term outcomes comparable to what has been reported for other methods of repair. It may potentially allow for an expedited recovery and rehabilitation process.

Author(s):  
Shaan S. Patel ◽  
Michael Hachadorian ◽  
Amber Gordon ◽  
Jason Nydick ◽  
Michael Garcia

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early outcomes of thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair using suture anchors with suture tape augmentation. Materials and Methods Six patients underwent thumb UCL repair or reconstruction with suture tape augmentation and six patients underwent thumb UCL repair with intraosseous suture anchors between January 2013 and January 2018. The main outcome measures were range of motion, strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and complications. Results At final follow-up for patients who had suture tape augmentation, the average thumb MCP joint and interphalangeal (IP) joint flexion were 65 and 73 degrees, respectively. The average DASH score was 4.3. At final follow-up for patients who had intraosseous suture anchor repair, the average thumb MCP joint and IP joint flexion were 50 and 60 degrees, respectively. The average DASH score was 38. There were no complications or secondary procedures in either group. Conclusion The use of suture anchor repair with suture tape augmentation for thumb UCL injuries is a treatment option that allows for early range of motion with satisfactory early outcomes that are comparable to intraosseous suture anchor repair. Level of Evidence This is a level IV, case series article.


Hand Surgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 08 (01) ◽  
pp. 81-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshinori Oka ◽  
Hiroki Harayama ◽  
Masayoshi Ikeda

We have devised a reconstructive procedure to repair chronic injuries to the collateral ligament of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. It comprises palmaris longus tendon grafting into a bone tunnel and suturing onto the base of the residual ligament without involving fixation of the tendon graft stump. Thirteen patients were treated for injured MCP joints: thumb/ulnar, ten cases; thumb/radial, two; and middle finger/radial, one. All patients had pain and instability of average 41° in the affected MCP joints. The patients were followed at an average period of five years and nine months. Pain and joint instability disappeared in all patients. The mean MCP joint range of motion (ROM) was 1° on extension and 58° on flexion. The tip pinch strength averaged 4.8 kg. The gratifying results obtained using this method are attributed to the fact that optimal tension of the ligament and satisfactory ROM can be achieved during the course of rehabilitation.


Author(s):  
Tobias Kastenberger ◽  
Peter Kaiser ◽  
Gernot Schmidle ◽  
Kerstin Stock ◽  
Stefan Benedikt ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction A new technology (Sportwelding®) was recently presented, which uses ultrasonic energy to meld a resorbable suture anchor at the interface with the host bone. A standardized clinical use was not investigated yet. This study prospectively evaluated the surgical and clinical outcomes of the Fiji Anchor® (Sportwelding®, Schlieren, Switzerland) in the repair of an ulnar collateral ligament lesion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. Material and methods The range of motion, grip and pinch strength, disability of arm, shoulder and the hand (DASH) and patient rated evaluation (PRWE) score, pain, satisfaction, complications and adverse events were assessed in 24 patients after surgical treatment for an acute displaced rupture or avulsion of the ulnar collateral metacarpophalangeal ligament of the thumb using the Fiji Anchor® after 6, 12 and 52 weeks. Results At final follow up, the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint reached almost the contralateral side (49.3° SD 11.7°). Thumb opposition showed a Kapandji score of 9.7 (SD 0.5; range 9–10). Grip strength, the lateral, tip and the three jaw pinch showed nearly similar values compared to the contralateral side (83–101%). Pain was low (0.2 SD 0.7 at rest and 0.6 SD 1.0 during load). The DASH score was 5.0 (SD 7.3) and the PRWE score was 4.1 (SD 9.0). 81% of patients were very satisfied at final follow-up. Two patients were rated unstable during the follow-up period due to a second traumatic event. Three cases experienced difficulties during anchor insertion, whereby incorrect anchor insertion resulted in damage to the suture material; however, this was resolved after additional training. Conclusion One advantage of this anchor appears to be its stable fixation in cancellous bone. The surgical treatment of an ulnar collateral ligament lesion of the thumb using the Fiji Anchor® can lead to an excellent clinical outcome with a minor complication rate; however, long-term dangers and the cost effectiveness of the procedure are not known yet.


VASA ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asciutto ◽  
Lindblad

Background: The aim of this study is to report the short-term results of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy (CDFS) in the treatment of axial saphenous vein incompetence. Patients and methods: Data of all patients undergoing CDFS for symptomatic primary incompetence of the great or small saphenous vein were prospectively collected. Treatment results in terms of occlusion rate and patients’ grade of satisfaction were analysed. All successfully treated patients underwent clinical and duplex follow-up examinations one year postoperatively. Results: Between September 2006 and September 2010, 357 limbs (337 patients) were treated with CDFS at our institution. Based on the CEAP classification, 64 were allocated to clinical class C3 , 128 to class C4, 102 to class C5 and 63 to class C6. Of the 188 patients who completed the one year follow up examination, 67 % had a complete and 14 % a near complete obliteration of the treated vessel. An ulcer-healing rate of 54 % was detected. 92 % of the patients were satisfied with the results of treatment. We registered six cases of thrombophlebitis and two cases of venous thromboembolism, all requiring treatment. Conclusions: The short-term results of CDFS in patients with axial vein incompetence are acceptable in terms of occlusion and complications rates.


Diabetes ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 995-1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Perlman ◽  
R. M. Ehrlich ◽  
R. M. Filler ◽  
A. M. Albisser

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin W. Arner ◽  
Edward S. Chang ◽  
Stephen Bayer ◽  
James P. Bradley

Background: The modified Jobe and docking techniques are the 2 most commonly employed techniques for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction among overhead athletes. However, no study has directly compared these techniques performed by a single surgeon. Current comparisons of these techniques have relied solely on systematic reviews and biomechanical studies. Hypothesis: There will be no difference in outcomes or return to play between the modified Jobe and docking techniques in elbow UCL reconstruction surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-five modified Jobe and 26 docking UCL-reconstructive surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon, each with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, Conway Scale, years played, sex, handedness, sport, position, palmaris versus gracilis graft type, concomitant or future arm/shoulder injuries, and need for additional surgery were compared between the groups. Patients who underwent future shoulder or elbow surgery, no matter the cause, were included. Results: No difference was seen between the modified Jobe and docking reconstruction cases in regard to KJOC scores (mean ± SD: 78.4 ± 19.5 vs 72.0 ± 26.0, P = .44), Conway Scale (return to play, any level: 84% vs 82%, P = .61), years played (14.7 ± 6.2 vs 15.2 ± 5.8, P = .52), sex ( P = .67), handedness ( P ≥ .999), sport ( P = .44), position ( P = .60), level of competition ( P = .59), and future surgery (12% vs 4%, P = .35). Palmaris graft type had significantly higher KJOC scores than hamstring grafts (82.3 ± 20.0 vs 57.9 ± 21.2, P = .001). The mean follow-up was 6.1 years in the modified Jobe group and 7.3 years in the docking group (mean = 6.7, P = .47). Conclusion: The modified Jobe and docking techniques are both suitable surgical options for elbow UCL reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference between the techniques in regard to return to play, KJOC score, or need for subsequent surgery at 6.7-year follow-up. This is the first direct clinical comparison of these 2 techniques by a single surgeon at midterm follow-up.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712095914
Author(s):  
Justin C. Kennon ◽  
Erick M. Marigi ◽  
Chad E. Songy ◽  
Chris Bernard ◽  
Shawn W. O’Driscoll ◽  
...  

Background: The rate of elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) injury and surgery continues to rise steadily. While authors have failed to reach a consensus on the optimal graft or anchor configuration for MUCL reconstruction, the vast majority of the literature is focused on the young, elite athlete population utilizing autograft. These studies may not be as applicable for the “weekend warrior” type of patient or for young kids playing on high school leagues or recreationally without the intent or aspiration to participate at an elite level. Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes and complication rates of MUCL reconstruction utilizing only allograft sources in nonelite athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patient records were retrospectively analyzed for individuals who underwent allograft MUCL reconstruction at a single institution between 2000 and 2016. A total of 25 patients met inclusion criteria as laborers or nonelite (not collegiate or professional) athletes with a minimum of 2 years of postoperative follow-up. A review of the medical records for the included patients was performed to determine survivorship free of reoperation, complications, and clinical outcomes with use of the Summary Outcome Determination (SOD) and Timmerman-Andrews scores. Statistical analysis included a Wilcoxon rank-sum test to compare continuous variables between groups with an alpha level set at .05 for significance. Subgroup analysis included comparing outcome scores based on the allograft type used. Results: Twenty-five patients met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean time to follow-up was 91 months (range, 25-195 months), and the mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 12-65 years). There were no revision operations for recurrent instability. The mean SOD score was 9 (range, 5-10) at the most recent follow-up, and the Timmerman-Andrews scores averaged 97 (range, 80-100). Three patients underwent subsequent surgical procedures for ulnar neuropathy (n = 2) and contracture (n = 1), and 1 patient underwent surgical intervention for combined ulnar neuropathy and contracture. Conclusion: Allograft MUCL reconstruction in nonelite athletes demonstrates comparable functional scores with many previously reported autograft outcomes in elite athletes. These results may be informative for elbow surgeons who wish to avoid autograft morbidity in common laborers and nonelite athletes with MUCL incompetency.


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