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Thumb volar plate reconstruction utilizing extensor pollicis brevis autograft: evaluation of a new technique

  • Surgery Articles
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HAND

Abstract

Background

Sagittal plane instability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint is a difficult problem with numerous surgical techniques described. The purpose of the study is to demonstrate a technique in which a distally based extensor pollicis brevis tendon autograft is utilized to reconstruct the deficient volar plate.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of four patients who were followed a minimum of 2 years after this procedure. Patient demographics, return to work status, and objective outcomes are reported.

Results

This technique compared favorably to those previously described, in terms of technical ease, functional results, and patient satisfaction. Each patient returned to his previous activity level and was maintained on active duty in his current military occupational specialty. None required a permanent profile to limit the physical demands of his job.

Conclusions

Preliminary data suggests this technique is anatomically sound, technically less demanding, and requires minimal surgical dissection compared to previously described procedures.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Danielle M. Taylor for photographing the cadaveric dissection and T. Shane Johnson, MD for the medical illustration.

Conflict of Interest

Kenneth F. Taylor declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Jeffrey A. Levy declares that he has no conflict of interest.

Statement of Human and Animal Rights

This study involved human subjects. The study was approved by an institutional review board.

Statement of Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to being included in this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, USA

    Kenneth F. Taylor & Jeffrey A. Levy

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 30 Hope Drive, P.O. Box 859, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA

    Kenneth F. Taylor

  3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McDonald Army Health Center, Fort Eustis, VA, 23604, USA

    Jeffrey A. Levy

Authors
  1. Kenneth F. Taylor
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  2. Jeffrey A. Levy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kenneth F. Taylor.

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Taylor, K.F., Levy, J.A. Thumb volar plate reconstruction utilizing extensor pollicis brevis autograft: evaluation of a new technique. HAND 10, 357–361 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9687-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-014-9687-x

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