Thumb MCP Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

This patient is a professional football player who had undergone two previous ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions.  He was blocking and sustained yet another injury.  He complained of pain and instability with radially directed stress of the ulnar collateral ligament and was unable to play his position.  As a result, revision surgery was planned to include a tendon graft taken from the forearm as well as an “internal brace” for additional support.

A two-limbed tendon graft was placed across the joint which provided excellent stability and then the ”Internal Brace” (seen in the bottom image) was placed on top for even more security.  This player regained excellent motion and returned to the NFL as a starting lineman.  He has not experienced another injury as of yet.