[Lengemann suture versus bone screw osteosynthesis in treatment of ulnar osseous collateral ligament rupture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint].

Out of 95 ligamentous lesions of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, those with an isolated bony rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament were chosen. Of these, 15 patients treated with Lengemann suture and 16 with screw fixation were followed-up on average 27.3 and 26.4 months, respectively, after operative treatment. Under only "good" and "very good" clinical results, the statistical analysis of the objective and subjective parameters showed no significant difference, except for the measurement of the soft-tissue circumference (p < 0.01) between either procedure. Although both procedures have a low rate of complications, screw fixation is preferable since implant removal is not necessary.