ACUTE SKIERS THUMB REPAIRED WITH A PROXIMAL PHALANX SUTURE ANCHOR

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of a surgical technique for the repair of injuries of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb. A 14-point questionnaire was developed to dete rmine functional outcome after surgical repair of acute ulnar collater al ligament rupture. Early ulnar collateral ligament repair was perfor med on 58 patients with grade III sprains (complete rupture) of the li gament using a new technique that employs a suture anchor for fixation . Forty-five patients were interviewed at a minimum postoperative inte rval of 12 months and were included in this study. Forty-four patients (98%) believed they had a stable repair, were satisfied with their su rgery, and would have it again if necessary. Forty-four patients (98%) were not hindered in their day-to-day activities and had a functional range of motion. Mild discomfort was felt by eight of our patients (1 7%), but only three patients (7%) had pain with activities. The averag e time to return to skiing was 1.7 days. The use of a suture anchor pr ovided a strong and stable repair if the surgery was performed early.