Challenge of the Week / Hand & Wrist / 06.28.19

A 37-year-old male patient who is a construction worker presents after suffering a thumb injury during a fall 1 week ago. He has pain and bruising on the ulnar side of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. There is greater than 40° of valgus laxity, both in extension and 30° of MCP joint flexion. There is no appreciable endpoint during stress testing. Plain radiographs show no fracture. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

  • Repair of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament
  • Thumb spica cast with repeat examination in 2 weeks
  • Closed reduction and transarticular pinning of the thumb MCP joint
  • Reconstruction of the thumb ulnar collateral ligament with a tendon graft
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