• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.49-54
• /
• 2005

Purpose: Complete rupture of metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament of thumb needs surgical exploration and repair, owing to the interposition of the adductor aponeurosis (Stener lesion) which interferes in healing process. We performed arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment on ulnar collateral ligament injury of thumb and evaluated it's efficiency. Materials and Methods: Arthroscopy was perfomed on 13 patients of whom injured on complete ruture of metacarpophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament. Follow-up period was over 1 year and mean age was 35.6 years old. Ulnar collateral ligament tears and Stener lesion were diagnosed and treated by arthroscopy procedure. Results were interpreted by joint instability, pinch power, grip power and range of motion on metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb. Results: We found 5 Stener lesions in 13 cases. There was no appreciable postoperative instability. Pinch and grip power were recovered to 92%, 94% of uninjured thumb respectively. Range of motion on metacarpophalangeal joint was mean $52^{\circ}$, almost equal to uninjured thumb. Conclusions: Arthroscopic treatment in metacapophalangeal ulnar collateral ligament injury of thumb is useful method that Stener lesion can be clearly comfirmed and treated. Also soft tissue injuries can be minimized, thereby early functional recovery can be expected.