Pitching Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction at a Single Institution in Major League Baseball Pitchers

Abstract

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) has shown reliable rates of return to play, with conflicting results on pitching performance after players’ return. Purpose: To evaluate Major League Baseball (MLB) pitching performance before and after UCLR performed at a single institution. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: MLB pitchers (minor league players were excluded) who underwent UCLR at our institution between 2002 and 2016 were identified. Player information and return to play were determined including pitching level (MLB vs minor league) and total number of years played after surgery. Pitching performance statistics were evaluated for 3 years before surgery and for 3 years after returning to play including earned run average (ERA), walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), innings pitched, wins above replacement, runs above replacement, and pitch velocity. Results: A total of 54 MLB pitchers were identified, with 46 primary and 8 revision reconstructions. The mean time to return to play was 13.8 months (primary reconstruction: 13.7 months). The majority returned to play with a 94% return rate (primary reconstruction: 96%), and 80% returned to MLB play (primary reconstruction: 82%). Three primary reconstructions required revision surgery. Pitchers played a mean of 3.2 years in MLB and 4.6 years total after surgery (39% still playing). Pitching workload and performance were maintained or improved after surgery. The preoperative ERA was 4.63 versus 4.13 after returning to play (P = .268). Fastball velocity (P = .032), ERA (P = .003), and WHIP (P = .001) worsened the first year after surgery and then improved the second year (ERA: 4.63 to 4.06 [P = .380]; WHIP: 1.35 to 1.32 [P = .221]; fastball velocity: 91.3 to 91.9 mph [P = .097]). Compared with a matched control group, pitchers who had UCLR showed improvements or maintained performance after reconstruction including improved ERA (P = .007), WHIP (P = .025), and fastball velocity (P = .006). Conclusion: MLB players experienced a high rate of return to play and previous level of play after UCLR. Pitching workload was maintained after returning to play. Pitching performance initially decreased the first year after returning and then improved or reverted to previous levels after the first year from UCLR.