A Comparison of Acute Versus Chronic Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Using Primary Suture Anchor Repair and Local Soft Tissue Advancement

PURPOSE: To assess patient satisfaction and functional outcomes of primary suture anchor repair with local soft tissue advancement for both acute and chronic thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patient charts who had undergone operative UCL repair between 2006 and 2013. Patients who had more than 8 weeks between the time of injury and surgery were classified as having chronic injuries. In both acute and chronic cases, a primary suture anchor repair of the ligament was performed with local soft tissue advancement. For each patient, baseline demographics, operative complications, and associated injuries were recorded along with visual analog scale pain scores; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; and their return to work or sport status. Comparisons of outcomes and complications were made between the groups (acute vs chronic injuries). RESULTS: Among the 36 patients who met our inclusion criteria, both the acute (n = 19) and chronic (n = 17) groups were similar with regards to major or minor comorbidities, visual analog scale scores; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; return to work or sport status; or patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with both acute and chronic thumb UCL injuries have similarly acceptable functional outcomes, postoperative pain, and satisfaction. Primary suture anchor repair without ligament reconstruction appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients’ thumb UCL injuries, even in the chronic setting. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.