Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe our technique of thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with suture tape augmentation and to evaluate the short-term outcomes in our initial series of patients treated with this method of repair.

Methods: Patients with minimum one-year follow up after isolated UCL repair with suture tape augmentation were contacted for clinical evaluation, radiographs, and postoperative outcome questionnaires, including the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and study-specific questions. Thirteen of 15 (87%) consecutive patients who were treated using this method of repair were available for follow-up, 9 with acute tears and 4 with chronic tears.

Results: Average post-operative thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joint range-of-motion (ROM) was 0–57.5° and 0–71°, respectively, for chronic tears and 2.2–53.9° and 0–71°, respectively, for acute tears. Average grip and pinch strength relative to the unaffected hand was 102% and 84%, respectively, among patients with chronic tears and 103.3% and 88.7%, respectively, among those with acute tears. All patients demonstrated stability with a firm endpoint, relative to the unaffected thumb. The average QuickDASH score among all patients was 11.9 for the disability/symptom module, 0 for the sport module and 16.5 for the work module. Stiffness was reported among 4 patients and no patient suffered wound-related issues or other complications.

Conclusions: Thumb UCL repair with suture tape augmentation demonstrates short-term outcomes comparable to what has been reported for other methods of repair. It may potentially allow for an expedited recovery and rehabilitation process.