Phone: 817-697-4038 Fax: 877-409-3962

Thumb UCL and RCL Reconstruction

If you need a thumb UCL and RCL reconstruction, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Thumb UCL and RCL Reconstruction?

The thumb plays a vital role in hand function. Injuries to its ligaments can severely affect grip strength and dexterity. The thumb has two important ligaments: the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and the radial collateral ligament (RCL). These ligaments provide stability, especially when gripping, pinching, and holding objects. When trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes injure them, the thumb’s function can be compromised. If conservative treatments like rest and physical therapy fail, surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the UCL or RCL.

Causes of UCL and RCL Injuries

UCL injuries often result from trauma, such as falling onto an outstretched hand or repetitive stress. A common UCL injury, “skier’s thumb,” occurs when a fall stretches the thumb away from the hand, tearing the ligament. The RCL, which stabilizes the opposite side of the thumb, can also tear in similar ways but less commonly.

Symptoms of UCL and RCL Injuries

Common symptoms of UCL and RCL injuries include:

  • Pain and Swelling: Pain at the thumb base, often worse with gripping or pinching, especially for UCL or RCL injuries.
  • Instability: A feeling of weakness or instability when gripping or holding objects.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the thumb due to pain or instability.
  • Bruising: Discoloration around the injured area.

Doctors diagnose these injuries through a clinical examination and imaging (X-rays or MRI) to assess ligament damage.

Thumb UCL and RCL Reconstruction Procedure

Thumb UCL and RCL reconstruction aims to restore thumb stability and function. Surgeons perform the procedure under local anesthesia, and it follows these general steps:

  1. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision near the thumb base to access the damaged ligament.
  2. Ligament Repair/Replacement: The surgeon either repairs the torn ligament or reconstructs it using a tendon graft from the patient’s body. This graft restores thumb stability.
  3. Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures and applies a dressing to protect the area.

In some cases, the surgeon combines techniques depending on the injury’s severity and the surrounding tissue’s quality.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After surgery, doctors immobilize the thumb in a splint or cast to promote ligament healing. The initial recovery focuses on reducing pain and swelling, followed by gentle motion exercises. As healing progresses, physical therapy strengthens the thumb and restores range of motion. Rehab includes exercises to rebuild strength, stability, and fine motor skills, allowing patients to return to normal activities.

Full recovery may take several months. Returning to sports or heavy lifting may require extra time to avoid re-injury. With proper rehabilitation, most patients regain near-normal thumb function.

 

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.