Chronic post-traumatic radial instability of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the finger. Long-term results of ligament reconstruction.

Chronic painful post-traumatic instability of the radial collateral ligament complex of the metacarpophalangeal joint of a finger was treated by tendon graft reconstruction in 24 patients. Seventeen patients (20 joints) were available for a retrospective study at a mean follow-up time of 105 months. Eighty percent of the joints showed excellent or good results, with relief of pain, return of adequate stability, a near normal range of motion and absence of degenerative changes.