Acute surgical repair of the skier's thumb

Complete ulnar collateral ligament tears incurred during the period fall 1977 through spring 1979 were treated under regional anesthesia by a single group of surgeons in an identical fashion as outpatients. Of 123 thumbs repaired, 69 (59%) were available for follow-up examination. There were 34 women and 35 men with an average age of 34.5 years (range, 16-61 years). The follow-up period averaged 31.6 months (range, 16-46 months). Weakness of pinch was described as none or mild in 66 (96%) and significant in only three (4%). Stiffness was described as none or mild in 66 (96%), moderate in two (3%), and severe in one (1%). Pain was described as none or mild in 68 (99%) and moderate in one (1%). Sixty-two patients (90%) preferred outpatient surgery with regional anesthesia whereas only seven (10%) did not. Forty-five (65%) of the 69 patients who required surgery had used traditional poles with straps, suggesting the pole as the causative factor. However, only 20% of noninjured skiers during the 1981-1982 season were using traditional poles with straps, and the total number of complete ulnar collateral ligament repairs did not decrease with the same number of skiers. Therefore, the change in pole design has not decreased the incidence of total ulnar collateral ligament tears. The results of acute surgical repair as an outpatient with regional anesthesia are excellent; 96% of the patients were pleased with the results. If the lesion is overlooked, the results of secondary construction are not nearly as good.