Repair of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament With Suture Tape Augmentation (2017)
September 16, 2021
Abstract: One of the most commonly injured structures of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). An acute injury of this ligament is often amenable to primary repair. Despite the favorable outcomes of primary repair, the thumb is often restricted during initial healing of the ligament with immobilization and delayed rehabilitation. We present a novel technique to augment the repair of the UCL with suture tape to provide immediate biomechanical support and strength during the critical time of ligament healing. We describe the surgical technique of suture tape augmentation for thumb UCL repair. At the ulnar aspect of the thumb MCP joint, a longitudinal midaxial incision is made……