ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF ACUTE COMPLETE THUMB METACARPOPHALANGEAL ULNAR COLLATERAL LIGAMENT TEARS

An arthroscopic technique was used to reduce Stener lesions associated with acute ulnar collateral ligament ruptures of the thumb. We operat ed on eight thumbs, seven dominant and one nondominant. The average fo llow-up period was 39 months (range, 30-48). At followup examination, no patient reported pain or functional limitation or had joint contrac ture. In most cases, key pinch, tip pinch, grip strength, and range of motion were equal to or greater than in the thumb on the unaffected s ide. The only complication, a pin track infection, resolved after wire removal and treatment with oral antibiotics. Results indicate that ar throscopic reduction of a Stener lesion allows healing of the ulnar co llateral ligament without the need for open repair.