PG Harris, JF Mosher. Injury to the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joints of the fingers. Can J Plast Surg 1994;2(3): 125-129. Injury to the collateral ligaments of metacarpophalangeal (mcp) joints of the fingers has not been given much attention in the literature compared with the more frequently encountered lesion involving the thumb (‘game keeper's’ or ‘skier's’ thumb). Nevertheless, such lesions can result in significant disability if not appropriately treated. To prevent this, awareness of the pathology is required. Pain and lateral instability at the mcp joints may be the only signs. The anatomical lesions vary in sites. Instability to laterally directed stress in full mcp flexion is diagnostic. Most lesions heal with corrective immobilization with the mcp joint at 40° or 45° and ‘buddy taping’ of the fingers. Surgery, through a dorsal approach, is required in cases of rotated or significantly displaced bony attachment and in chronic instability.
