Clinical application of mini bone anchor for primary reconstruction of PIP joint collateral ligament

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of using miniature bone anchors in the reconstruction of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint collateral ligament.Methods Between August 2010 and October 2012,19 cases of finger PIP joint collateral ligament injury were surgically treated.Borehole was drilled at the collateral ligament insertion on the proximal phalanx head or middle phalanx base.The bone anchor was tacked into the borehole and the hgament was repaired with the two 4-0 Ethibond suture anchor tails.Postoperatively the joint was immobihzed for 3 weeks in a splint.Results Wounds of all 19 patients healed without infection or skin necrosis or suture reactions.The patients were follow-up for 9 to 12 months,with an average of 10 months.X-rays taken at 6 weeks postoperatively showed no signs of anchor prolapse,loosening,fracture and other complications.Finger function as evaluated with Saetta assessment criteria was rated as excellent in 12 cases and good in 6 cases,with an overall satisfactory rate of 94.7％.Conclusion Application of mini bone anchors is a simple,effective and reliable method for reconstruction of PIP joint collateral ligament. Key words: Finger joint;  Collateral ligaments;  Surgical procedures, operative