A displaced complete radial collateral ligament avulsion with associated injury to the sagittal band of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the small finger, if left untreated, may result in chronic pain, instability, weakness, and deformity. A case of a displaced radial collateral ligament that ruptured through the radial sagittal band of the small finger, with resultant injury to the extensor mechanism, is described and discussed with a review of the literature. Proper identification of this injury by physical exam and imaging studies along with surgical repair is associated with good outcome.
BeauperthuyGBurkeE. Alternative method of repairing collateral ligament injuries at the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb and fingers. Use of the Mitek anchor. J Hand Surg Br Vol1997;22:736–8.
2.
ClaveroJAlomarXMonillJ. MR imaging of ligament and tendon injuries of the fingers. Radiographics2002;22:237–56.
3.
DelaereOSuttorPDegollaRLeachRPieretP. Early surgical treatment for collateral ligament rupture of the metacarpophalngeal joints of the fingers. J Hand Surg2003;28:309–15.
4.
DoyleJAtkinsonR. Rupture of the collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger: a report of three cases. J Hand Surg Br Vol1989;14:248–50.
5.
DrayGMillenderLNalebuffE. Rupture of the radial collateral ligament of a metacarpophalangeal joint to one of the ulnar three fingers. J Hand Surg1979;4:346.
6.
FreelandAHobgoodE. Complete tear of the radial collateral ligament of the third carpometacarpal joint. Orthopedics2004;27:733–6.
7.
GeeTPhoR. Avulsion-fracture at the proximal attachment of the radial collateral ligament of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint—a case report. J Hand Surg1982;7:526.
8.
GrossDMoneimM. Radial collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the small finger. Orthopedics1989;21:814–5.
9.
IshizukiM. Injury to collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of a finger. J Hand Surg1988;13:444–8.
10.
KatoHMinamiATakaharaMOshioIHirachiKKotakiH. Surgical repair of acute collateral ligament injuries in digits with the Mitek bone suture anchor. J Hand Surg Br Vol1999;24:70–5.
11.
LaneC. Detecting occult fractures of the metacarpal head: the Brewerton view. J Hand Surg1977;2:603.
12.
MassonJGolimbuCGrossmanJ. MR imaging of the metacarpophalangeal joints. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am1995;3:313–25.
13.
MinamiAAnKCooneyWILinscheidRChaoE. Ligament structures of the metacarpophalangeal joint: a quantitative anatomic study. J Orthop Res1984;1:361–8.
14.
SchubinerJMassD. Operation for collateral ligament ruptures of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. J Bone Jt Surg Br Vol1989;71:388–9.
15.
StenerB. Displacement of the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb. A clinical and anatomical study. J Bone Jt Surg Br Vol1962;44:869–79.
16.
WolfBCervinoA. Rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint. Ann Plast Surg1988;21:382–7.