A Clinical Analysis of Collateral Ligament Injuries to Fingers

Won, Ye Yeon; Kang, Eung Shick

Abstract

There are many controversies concerning diagnostic and therapeutic guidlines for injuries to the collateral ligaments of the fingers, which improperly treated, may develop serious late sequale of joint function. Eleven cases of collateral ligament injuries to fingers which occured between June 1976 and June 1986 were reviewed and the following results were obtained. 1. There were 8 males and 3 females, and eight of the 11 cases (73%) were younger than 30 years of age. 2. In 5 cases, the injury was a sports related injury, while slipped down injury caused the injury in 5 other cases. 3. The ratio of acute to chronic injury was 7:4. 4. There were 6 cases of proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth finger, 3 cases of metacarpophalangeal joint of the first finger and 2 cases of proximal interphalangeal joint of the third finger. 5. The ratio of ulnar collateral ligament to radial collateral ligament was 7:4. 6. Preoperatively, stress X-rays of the both the involved and the contralateral sound joints taken in all cases and analysed. 7. The most common ruptured site of ligament was substance portion, which was found in 7 cases. 8. Primary repair were performed in 8 cases, reconstruction with tendon of palmaris longus muscle in 2 cases and reconstruction with tendon of flexor digitorum superficialis in 1 case. 9. All patients were followed for at least 6 months, and the average was 3 years. 10. Normal range of motion and stable joints were observed in 10 of the 11 cases at the final follow up.