Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Description

This VTT transcript captures a detailed presentation by Meg Birks on collateral ligament injuries of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. It discusses the common causes of these injuries, particularly in sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as ball-handling sports, highlighting the mechanism of injury—forced abduction. The presentation outlines various injury patterns, associated fractures, and emphasizes the role of clinical assessment in diagnosing ulnar collateral ligament injuries. Specific treatments are noted for varying degrees of injury severity, detailing choices between conservative management with a splint or operative intervention for significant instability. Additionally, Birks discusses the importance of ultrasound imaging in identifying complex injuries like the Stener lesion, and elaborate surgical techniques for reconstruction if needed. Throughout, there is an emphasis on rehabilitation, expected outcomes, and management of chronic instability, highlighting potential complications and recovery protocols. The dialogue concludes with a discussion segment where questions about surgical methods and patient management are addressed.

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