R. Glenn Gaston, Gary M. Lourie and Allan E. Peljovich
The purpose of this article was to present the results of various treatment modalities based on injury grade of radial collateral ligament (RCL) injuries to the index metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. The authors conclude that the significance of this injury remains underestimated and requires a high index of suspicion. Stable injuries seen early should be treated with prompt immobilization. Casting may be more effective than a removable splint. Grade III injuries seen early could possibly be treated with cast immobilization though close follow up is mandatory as surgical repair may be necessary in the high demand hand. All Grade III injuries treated late yielded fair to poor results requiring tendon reconstruction or fusion with significant alteration in hand function.
The Journal of Hand Surgery, Volume 31, Issue 8,