Reconstruction of chronic collateral ligament injuries to fingers by use of suture anchors

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of suture anchors in the reconstruction of chronic collateral ligaments of fingers. Methods. We treated 8 patients, 6 with chronic instability of the collatera l ligament of the thumb and 2 with the instability of the fifth finger, usi ng the Statak(R) suture anchor. A stable joint was achieved in each case, w ith no recurrent instability or pain within a mean of 14 months of the foll ow up. Results. Postoperatively, each patient returned to his or her original job, their daily activities, and sports. There was no significant difference on manual stress testing measurements between operated and uninjured fingers. Mean pinch strength and range of motion were 90% (range, 78-104%) and 94% (range, 70-100%), respectively, compared to uninjured fingers. Conclusion. Suture anchor technique can be recommended as a simple and effe ctive method of repairing the collateral ligament of fingers.