Alternative Method of Repairing Collateral Ligament Injuries at the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of the Thumb and Fingers

Abstract

Injuries to the joints of the thumb and fingers frequently cause complete or partial tears of the collateral ligaments, resulting in marked instability of the involved joint. Twelve patients with 12 unstable metacarpophalangeal joints were treated surgically with a Mitek® metal suture anchor. At the last postoperative follow-up (range 6 weeks-6 months) 11 of 12 patients had good to excellent results subjectively and had regained 75% of the strength of the uninjured side.