Radial collateral ligament reconstruction of the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger with severe bony defect: revising a failed ligament reconstruction--a case report.

Abstract

Chronic proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) instability of the finger is rare, and when it occurs usually requires surgical reconstruction. Complications arising from failed ligament reconstruction may result in a situation more difficult to address than the initial reconstruction. This situation is more likely for the finger than other orthopaedic reconstructions because the phalangeal bones are so small. We present a case of chronic radial PIPJ instability of the finger and severe bony defect caused by multiple failed ligament reconstructions that was treated successfully using a modification of the bone-ligament-bone graft technique.