Reinsertion of the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint with an absorbable self-reinforced polylactide tack.
70 patients with total avulsion or rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint were treated surgically, using an absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide mini-tack placed through the ligament and a channel in the base of the proximal phalanx. The device stabilized the joint immediately, and 69 ligaments remained stable at 6 months. The subjective result was good or satisfactory in 66 of the cases. One case needed further surgery for pain in the scar and another developed local infection 9 months post-operatively. On the basis of these findings, the new absorbable fixation method seems to be a suitable method for clinical use.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
K
K
Vihtonen
T
T
Juutilainen
H
H
Pätiälä
P
P
Rokkanen
P
P
Törmälä
D000042:Absorption; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011091:Polyesters; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D014457:Ulna
D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)