Severe metacarpophalangeal sprain of the thumb in ski accidents. 125 surgical repairs in group of 340 cases of metacarpophalangeal sprains from ski accidents.

In more than 12,000 ski accidents seen during 15 winter seasons (1968-1983), 340 cases of metacarpophalangeal sprains of the thumb were encountered. One hundred fifty-nine were labeled as severe, and 125 of these involving the ulnar slope of the articulation were operated as very urgent or urgent. Three types of anatomic lesions were seen at operation. Capsulo-ligamentous lesions are the most frequent (70%), followed by avulsions of large fragments from the base of teh first phalanx attached to the ulnar ligament as well as to the palmar structures (30%). Finally the true fracture of B. Stener is altogether exceptional (1 in 125). Then follows in detail the operative procedures and long term results, which confirm the excellent prognosis of this group of lesions operated early.