Abstract
Stability of the first metacarpophalangeal joint is important for daily activities. Rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint (RCL) is less common than rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament, but serious ruptures of the radial ligament are as debilitating as those of the ulnar ligament. Consistent guidelines for treatment of complete RCL rupture have not yet been established. We recommend 4 weeks of immobilization by two K-wires, followed by extensive hand therapy, as primary treatment of complete RCL rupture. As late treatment of complete RCL rupture, we recommend surgical repair using a bone anchor, 4 weeks of immobilization, and subsequent hand therapy. Two patients with a complete RCL rupture are presented. One was treated early and the other received treatment 2 months after injury. These two cases illustrate the methods of early and late treatment.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 1 December 1999 / Accepted: 2 February 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
van Onselen, E., Goedkoop, A., Karim, R. et al. Early and late surgical treatment of complete rupture of the radial collateral ligament of the first metacarpophalangeal joint. E J Plastic Surg 23, 232–234 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002380050258
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002380050258