There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
<p class="first" id="d6434390e67">Radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries of the
thumb are relatively common although
they are less common than ulnar collateral ligament injuries, which make up 10% to
42% of collateral ligament injuries of the thumb. The RCL is especially important
for pinch movements and for movements of depression. Complete disruption of the RCL
can result in both static and dynamic instability, which can lead to a predictable
sequence of a painful deformity resulting in articular degeneration. Most authors
agree that both acute and chronic grade 3 RCL tears should be surgically treated.
There are various methods of repair or reconstruction of the RCL that yield satisfactory
results, providing radial stability and intending to preclude the appearance of degenerative
disease of the metacarpophalangeal joint. This article reviews the anatomy, physiology,
diagnosis, and treatment, including surgical technique, for RCL injuries of the thumb.
</p>