Reinsertion of the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb with an absorbable self-reinforced polylactide mini tack.

Total rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint is a common injury and it needs to be operated on, otherwise the injured joint will be unstable and it will cause disability due to loss of pinch grip. A special absorbable device--self-reinforced poly-L-lactide mini tack--was used to stabilise this ruptured ligament. 140 patients were operated on because of this ligament injury. The preliminary results after six months' follow-up were good. Normal movement was regained in 118 out of 140 patients (84.3%) and stability in 138 patients (98.6%). Five reoperations (3.6%) were needed--one because of scar pain, one because of local infection nine months postoperatively, one because of instability and two because of late loosening of the tack six and nine months postoperatively. Overall the preliminary results were good. On the basis of these findings we consider this new absorbable fixation method suitable for clinical use for reinserting the ruptured ulnar collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb.