Anatomic Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction With Internal Brace Augmentation in Throwing Athletes

Abstract

Background: Injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) is a common setback experienced by many throwing athletes often requiring reconstruction with 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. Current reconstructive techniques fail to anatomically restore the MUCL. This presentation demonstrates the “anatomic technique” for reconstruction of the MUCL supplemented by internal brace augmentation. Indications: Initial injuries of the MUCL can often be managed conservatively; however, many complete tears and those failing nonoperative management are frequently treated with MUCL reconstruction. Technique Description: After graft harvest, a 6-cm incision is created over the medial epicondyle to expose the sublime tubercle and medial epicondyle. Sutures are placed through the torn ligament which are used to formally repair the native ligament. A 4-mm socket is drilled in the MUCL origin of the medial epicondyle, and two 2-mm penetrating sockets are drilled toward the base of the 4-mm socket. The sutures in the native ligament are passed through the sockets and later tied over the bone bridge to complete the native ligament repair. A tight rope is shuttled through the medial epicondyle socket and assembled. The palmaris longus autograft and a suture tape are loaded onto the tightrope and reduced into the humeral socket. On the ulna, soft suture anchors are placed on either side of the sublime tubercle. The distal end of the graft is then sutured utilizing a FiberWire. The graft is secured to the sublime tubercle by tying down the previously placed suture anchors. The suture tapes and internal brace are loaded into a SwiveLock suture anchor, which is fixed distally along the sublime tubercle ridge creating an anatomic reconstruction. Then, the native ligament sutures and tight rope are re-tensioned and tied across the humeral bone bridge for final fixation. Results: In our cohort of 26 professional and amateur throwers, >90% returned to play at the same level at a mean of 9.9 months postoperatively. Discussion/Conclusion: Anatomic reconstruction of the MUCL with internal bracing is a viable option for MUCL injuries and may allow expedited return to sport for most athletes. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.