title: Surgical approaches to the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb for repair and reconstruction of the collateral ligaments and capsule.
abstract: Surgical repair and reconstruction of the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint require an adequate exposure to identify and repair or reconstruct the disrupted collateral ligaments. The authors have used the approach to be described with safety and convenience over a several year period for repair and reconstruction of both the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. This dorsal approach gives a comprehensive exposure without significant disruption of the extensor tendons or hood mechanism.
authors.affiliation: St. Helena Institute for Plastic Surgery, St. Helena, California 94574, USA. jrdtennis@aol.com
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Herber