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Significantly higher instability, pain found with combined UCL, RCL vs. isolated UCL tears
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Recently published results showed National Football League players with combined thumb ulnar collateral ligament and radial collateral ligament tears had significantly higher instability and pain compared with players with isolated thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries.
Researchers included 32 NFL players with 36 thumb metacarpophalangeal collateral ligament injuries, which were confirmed by review of both physical examination findings and MRI. They obtained player demographics, surgical details and return-to-play data from the team electronic medical record and surgeons’ records.
Results showed a simultaneous combined ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and radial collateral ligament (RCL) tear injury pattern in 25% of thumbs and isolated UCL injuries in 75% of thumbs. Surgery was required due to dysfunction from instability in all combined UCL/RCL injuries, researchers noted, while surgical repair due to continued pain and dysfunction from instability was required in 63% of isolated UCL injuries. All surgical repairs were delayed until the end of the season, according to results. The following season researchers noted all players with combined UCL/RCL injuries and isolated UCL injuries returned to play professional football. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Werner reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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