A new technique for reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.
BACKGROUND
Several previous studies have described reconstructive methods for the treatment of an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. However, there are few biomechanical studies to date to analyze the strength of the surgical reconstruction.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate 2 reconstruction techniques with use of a cadaveric model: (1) reconstruction with the use of a free tendon graft placed in a figure-of-8 fashion through drill holes in the metacarpal and proximal phalanx of the thumb, and (2) reconstruction with the use of the Bio-Tenodesis Screw System.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
Eight matched pairs of cadaveric specimens underwent removal of the proper and accessory ulnar collateral ligaments. One of the 2 reconstruction methods was performed, and specimens were mounted on a materials-testing machine. The specimens were subjected to valgus stress to failure at 30 degrees of flexion. Failure was defined as valgus laxity of 30 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint.


RESULTS
The peak load to failure was 23.5 +/- 11.4 N for the figure-of-8 reconstruction and 24.3 +/- 12.3 N for the reconstruction using the Bio-Tenodesis Screw System. Comparing the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in peak loads to failure (P = .88).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no statistically significant difference between the peak loads to failure of the 2 reconstructions.


CONCLUSIONS
The Bio-Tenodesis Screw System may provide another viable option for surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb.
Baskies
Michael A
MA
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Tuckman
David
D
Paksima
Nader
N
Posner
Martin A
MA
D000368:Aged; D002102:Cadaver; D017885:Collateral Ligaments / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013933:Thumb / Q000601:surgery