Purpose
Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb metacarpophalangeal
joint is commonly performed for chronic injuries. This study evaluates the anatomic
feasibility of using a part of the adductor pollicis tendon to reconstruct UCL.
Methods
Ten cadaveric arms were dissected to evaluate the relationship between the insertions
of UCL and the adductor pollicis. A slip of the adductor pollicis was divided from
the tendon and transposed dorsally. The dissected tendon was deemed sufficient for
reconstruction if it could be reflected to the footprint of the UCL origin. The size
of the adductor pollicis slip was then compared with that of UCL.
Results
The dissected slip of the adductor pollicis could be fully reflected proximally to
the UCL origin in all the specimens, and the insertion was also found to be closely
approximated to the UCL insertion, averaging 2 mm distally and 0.6 mm dorsally.
Conclusions
A sufficiently sized partial adductor pollicis tendon can be obtained to reconstruct
UCL of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint, and the location of the adductor pollicis
insertion closely approximates that of the UCL insertion.
Clinical relevance
The anatomic relationship evaluated in this study relates to a recently described
method of the reconstruction of UCL of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint that does
not require free tendon harvest. This study shows that the technique is anatomically
feasible.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 21, 2021
Accepted:
August 12,
2021
Received:
October 9,
2020
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
