Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Research Articles

Poster 169: Preliminary Outcomes of Revision UCL Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation for Failure of Primary UCL Reconstruction in Professional and Collegiate Pitchers

Objectives: Injury of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is common in baseball players and pitchers, in particular. The gold standard surgical treatment has been UCL reconstruction with autograft, although, UCL repair with collagen-coated suture tape has shown promise as an alternative recently. The outcomes of UCL reconstruction and UCL repair are well-studied, demonstrating high rates of return to sport and a predictable postoperative course of recovery. However, revision UCL reconstructions with allografts do not demonstrate comparable outcomes when compared with primary procedures. This pilot case series reports on the preliminary outcomes of collegiate and professional pitchers who underwent revision UCL repair with collagen-coated suture tape following failure of primary UCL reconstruction. Methods: We performed a retrospective query of a prospectively collected data repository to identify patients at our institution who had undergone UCL repair with internal brace. Additional inclusion criteria included: 1) prior failed UCL reconstruction with autograft; 2) aged between 15 and 45 years; 3) at least 1-year post-operative. From the included cohort, we collected demographic, clinical, and surgical data from the electronic health record. We further collected patient-reported outcomes data using either a web-based database platform or via telephone, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow assessment form (ASES-E; satisfaction, pain, and function subscales), the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow score (KJOC), Andrews Carson score, and information on return-to-sport timing and success. To evaluate outcomes, we reported the proportions of athletes that were able to successfully return-to-sport at the preinjury level or higher as well as return-to-sport timing and level of competition. Additionally, we reported summary statistics for patient-reported questionnaires evaluated at follow-up (ASES-E, KJOC, and Andrews Carson). Results: A total of 10 patients met inclusion criteria, and all were professional or collegiate pitchers at the time of their revision UCL repair surgery (40% professional and 60% collegiate). The mean follow-up time was 3.0 years (Table 1; range: 1-5 years). Table 1 shows complete return-to-sport data. All patients were able to return-to-sport at the same or higher level, and the mean time from surgery to return-to-sport was 9.3 months. Table 2 shows complete patient-reported outcomes data. Mean scores on elbow-related function questionnaires were high (ASES-E Function = 35.8 out of a maximum best of 36; KJOC = 88.3 out of a maximum best of 100; Andrews Carson = 94.5 out of a maximum best of 100) and mean pain scores were low (ASES-E Pain = 1 out of a maximum worst score of 50). Conclusions: This pilot case series demonstrated promising results of a novel UCL repair approach utilizing collagen-coated suture tape for high-level pitchers with recurrent medial elbow instability following initial UCL reconstruction with autograft. Specifically, we found excellent return-to-sport success and patient-reported outcomes in this preliminary cohort. Further study is warranted with larger sample sizes to further evaluate outcomes following revision of UCL reconstruction with UCL repair utilizing internal bracing.

Ulnar collateral ligament repair in professional baseball players.

While initial reports of surgical repair of ulnar collateral ligament tears are promising, studies detailing post-repair outcomes are lacking. This study explores the effectiveness of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair in returning professional baseball players to their pre-injury level of play. Our hypothesis is that professional baseball players undergoing UCL repair will have successful outcomes and high return to sport rates after surgery. Publicly available databases were utilized to search for data on professional baseball players who underwent UCL repair from 2016 to 2021. Players undergoing primary UCL repair with an internal brace were included. Amateur players were excluded as were those undergoing revision UCL repair or UCL reconstruction. Of the 11 pitchers who underwent UCL repair, minor league baseball (MiLB) pitchers returned to the sport at an average of 17.5 months. MiLB pitchers had similar earned run averages (ERAs), games played, innings pitched, and walks plus hits per inning pitched ratios (WHIPs) before and after surgery. Four major league baseball (MLB) pitchers (80%) returned to the sport at 9.55 months. MLB pitchers played fewer games and pitched fewer innings than before the surgery, but their ERAs and WHIPs were similar before and after surgery. Pitch velocity and spin rates after surgery varied based on pitch type. The seven positional players who underwent UCL repair showed no differences in batting or fielding performance before and after surgery. UCL repair can successfully return both pitchers and positional players at both the MiLB and MLB levels to play at pre-injury performance levels. Repair can be considered as an option for qualifying injuries in players hoping to maximize performance after surgery with minimal recovery time. Level of Evidence: IV.

Performance-Based Outcomes after Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Professional Pitchers.

To compare performance in baseball pitchers before and after revision ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery using performance metrics. Case series. Public online database. Players who underwent revision UCL surgery between 2015 and 2021 were identified. Players were included if they were Minor League (MiLB) or Major League (Major League baseball [MLB]) pitchers. Players were excluded if they were not pitchers, if they underwent their revision surgery as an amateur, or if there is no record of their primary reconstruction surgery. Revision UCL surgery (repair or reconstruction). Return to sport (RTS) rate, RTS time, pitch velocity, and pitch spin rate. Sixty-five pitchers underwent revision UCL surgery. MiLB pitchers had a shorter RTS time after their primary surgery (15.62 vs 20.77 months, P < 0.01) compared with MLB pitchers but similar RTS times after their revision reconstruction (19.64 vs 18.48 months, P = 0.44). There was also no difference in return to play (RTP) rate overall after primary versus revision reconstruction ( P = 1.00). Major League baseball pitchers also had decreased RTS time after primary compared with revision reconstruction (15.62 vs 19.64 months, P < 0.01) but similar RTP rates ( P = 0.28). Finally, MLB pitchers had similar pitch breakdowns, velocities, and spin rates before and after their primary and revision repair or reconstruction. Both revision UCL repair and reconstruction can return pitchers to preinjury performance levels. Pitchers and teams should be properly counseled on realistic RTP times and postsurgery performance when discussing revision UCL surgeries.

Paper 21: Functional Outcomes of Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Internal Bracing in Athletes

Objectives: The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the primary restraint to valgus stress in the elbow. Injury to this ligament can occur in the setting of acute trauma as well as chronic overuse as seen in baseball players and other overhead athletes. Injury to the UCL continues to be a major source of morbidity in overhead-throwing athletes, with the incidence of UCL tears increasing dramatically over the past 15 years. UCL reconstruction using palmaris longus or hamstring autograft (also known as Tommy John surgery) has been considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of symptomatic UCL injuries in overhead athletes for decades. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in UCL repair. In 2016, Dugas et al described the novel use of a collagen-dipped internal brace to augment UCL repair with encouraging biomechanical results from a cadaveric study. To date, only two studies have reported outcomes for this novel approach to UCL repair with internal brace (IB) augmentation, both with encouraging results. It is thought that the main advantages of UCL repair with IB augmentation compared to UCL reconstruction are comparable return to sport rates with a more rapid postoperative recovery, as well as restoration of normal anatomy that eliminates the need for an autograft and the associated complications of graft harvesting. Given the paucity of data examining this new surgical approach, this study seeks to add clinical outcome data for UCL repair to the scientific literature. The goal of this project is to evaluate functional outcomes following primary ulnar collateral ligament repair using internal brace augmentation and to describe new advancements in the surgical technique for this procedure. Methods: Approval was obtained from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center Institutional Review Board. A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent medial UCL repair with internal brace augmentation between 2016 and 2022 was performed. All procedures were performed at a single tertiary institution and all patients were under the direct medical care of the senior author. Only patients with a focal UCL injury, such as a distal or proximal avulsion tear, were selected for UCL repair with internal brace augmentation. Evidence of chronic attritional disease, including calcification on MRI, or extensive ligamentous injury were contraindications to UCL repair. Additionally, only patients undergoing primary UCL repair with internal brace augmentation were included; those with prior UCL reconstructions or repairs were excluded as were patients with insufficient clinical follow-up data. Included in the chart review were patient demographics, level of sport, injury characteristics, preoperative imaging findings, operative data, and postoperative clinical outcomes including complications and reoperations. Patient reported outcomes were collected from the Pitch Registry, a national database maintained by Major League Baseball (MLB). Primary outcomes for this study include the ability to return to play (RTP) at the same previous level or higher, the time to return to competition, complications, and reoperations. Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study (mean age at surgery was 19.5 ± 4.5 years; 55 men and 1 woman). The majority were baseball players (n=52) of which 43 were pitchers, while the remaining athletes played football, wrestled, or competed in Jujitsu. Twenty-eight were high school athletes, 23 played at the collegiate level, 4 played recreationally, and 1 played professionally. Symptoms of UCL injury preceded surgery by an average of 7.5 ± 15.0 months. The UCL was partially torn in 39 patients and fully torn in the remaining 17 patients, and it was torn proximally in 18, distally in 37, and mid-substance in 1 patient. The mean preoperative Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score was 61.5 ± 15.3, the mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 71.6 ± 14.9, and the mean preoperative Youth Throwing Score (YTS) was 40 ± 14. A concomitant arthroscopic osteophyte debridement and synovectomy was performed in 10 cases and a concomitant ulnar nerve transposition was performed in 4 cases. There were no intra-operative complications. The mean length of follow-up was 12.1 ± 7.1 months. Of the total cohort, 51 (91.0%) patients were able to return to play at an average of 7.8 ± 2.4 months. There were 4 reoperations (7.1%) including a single revision UCL reconstruction, 2 ulnar nerve transpositions, and 1 arthroscopic osteophyte debridement. Conclusions: Primary UCL repair with internal brace augmentation is a viable alternative to UCL reconstruction as supported by a rapid return to play and a low complication rate. There remains a paucity of data examining this encouraging and novel surgical approach. Additional data and analysis examining functional outcomes and optimal patient selection will be critical to address the rising epidemic of UCL injuries in young athletes.

Pain Is the Most Frequently Cited Reason Athletes Fail to Return to Sport After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:No previous systematic review to our knowledge has examined the reasons that athletes fail to return to sport (RTS) after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery.Purpose:To report the rate of failure to RTS after UCL surgery and identify reasons that preclude an athlete’s ability to successfully RTS.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases for studies on athletes who underwent either UCL reconstruction or repair that reported RTS rates and identified reasons for failure to RTS. Data were collected on the number of athletes included, average age, sport played, operative technique, average follow-up, rate of failure to RTS, and reasons for failure to return. A random-effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis.Results:Included were 26 studies reporting on 1019 athletes. Primary or revision UCL reconstruction was performed in 913 patients (89.6%), while the remaining 106 patients (10.4%) underwent UCL repair. The pooled rate of failure to RTS after UCL reconstruction or repair was calculated to be 11.4% (95% CI, 8.4-14.7). A significantly higher estimated proportion of athletes failed to return because of elbow-related reasons compared with non–elbow-related reasons (55.3% vs 40.6%; P = .0352). Persistent pain (29/103; 28.2%) was the most common reason for failure to return, followed by elbow limitations and other unspecified elbow problems (19/103; 18.4%). There was moderate evidence for publication bias and study heterogeneity across the included studies.Conclusion:This meta-analysis estimated the rate of failure to RTS after UCL surgery as 11.4%, with the majority of athletes unable to return because of elbow pain. Future studies reporting outcomes and providing details as to why athletes are unable to RTS can better inform sport surgeons on factors precluding RTS and can guide clinical practice to better help athletes achieve their postoperative goals.

Revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in Major League Baseball pitchers: effects of fastball velocity and usage.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are prevalent in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and can cause significant loss of time with varying reports of impact on performance. Revision UCL reconstruction (UCLR) is becoming increasingly common, with little known about the effects on fastball (FB) velocity and usage (FB%) in this setting. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of revision UCLR on MLB pitchers with respect to postoperative FB velocity and FB% at 1 and 2 years after return to play. The hypothesis was postoperative FB velocity and FB% would significantly decrease vs. prerevision levels, and that revision UCLRs would result in significantly decreased FB velocity and FB% in comparison to a matched group of MLB pitchers after primary UCLR. Twenty-one pitchers who underwent revision UCLR and returned to MLB play were identified from public records from 2008-2021. The PITCHf(x) system collected FB velocity for 4-seam (4FB) and 2-seam (2FB) fastballs and total FB% for pitchers in the prerevision year as well as the 2 years after return. A matched control group of pitchers who underwent primary UCLR was used for comparison. There were no significant differences in FB velocity between prerevision levels (4FB 92.9 mph, 2FB 91.4 mph) and years 1 (4FB 92.5 mph, 2FB 91.2 mph) and 2 (4FB 93.4 mph, 2FB 91.1 mph) after revision UCLR. FB% decreased from the prerevision season (60.1) and the first (56.2, P=.036) and second years (52.5, P=.002) after return. There were no significant differences between FB velocity and FB% or between the revision and primary UCLR groups. Pitchers returning to the MLB level after revision UCLR can expect similar FB velocity to their prerevision FB velocity and to pitchers undergoing primary UCLR; however, they do demonstrate a decrease in FB%, which may suggest less confidence in their FB after RTP.

Paper 12: Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers: Effect on Fastball Velocity and Usage

Objectives:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are prevalent in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers and cause significant loss of time with varying reports of impact on performance. Revision UCL reconstruction (UCLR) is increasingly common, with little known about the effects on both fastball (FB) velocity and usage (%) in this setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of revision UCLR on MLB pitchers with respect to post-operative FB % and velocity at one and two years after return-to-play. The hypothesis was that post-operative FB usage (FB%) and velocity would significantly decrease versus pre-injury levels in the revision UCLR group, and that revision UCLRs would result in significantly decreased FB % and velocity in comparison to a matched group of MLB pitchers after primary UCLRs.Methods:Public records were used to identify MLB pitchers from 2008 to 2020 who underwent a revision UCLR. The PITCHf/x system, which was installed in 2007 and is a standardized recording of all pitches thrown in MLB stadiums, collected FB velocity for four-seam (4FB) and two-seam (2FB) fastballs and total FB % for pitchers in the pre-injury year as well as the first two years after return. A matched control group of pitchers who underwent primary UCLR was used for comparison.Results:Nineteen pitchers fit the study criteria. There were no significant differences in the revision UCLR group in FB velocity between pre-injury levels (4FB 92.87 mph, 2FB 91.43 mph) and years one (4FB 92.55 mph, p=.375) (2FB 91.2 mph, p=0.448) and two (4FB 93.38 mph, p=.695) (2FB 91.59 mph, p=0.806) after return (Table 1). There were also no significant differences in FB % usage between the pre-injury season (60.4) and first (56.5, p=.095) or second years (52.5, p=.053) after return (Table 1). In terms of walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP), strikeouts per 9 innings (K/9), and walks per 9 innings (BB/9), the only significant difference between pre-injury and post-injury outcomes was a significant higher K/9 in the first season after return (p=0.031) (Table 1).There were no significant differences between FB velocity or % usage between the revision and primary UCLR groups at any time point (Tables 2-4). There were also no significant differences in the revision and primary UCLR groups between WHIP, K/9, or BB/9 with the exception of lower WHIP (p=0.015) and K/9 (p=0.001) in the pre-injury season (Tables 2-4).Conclusions:In pitchers that return to the MLB level, there were no significant differences in FB velocity versus their pre-injury levels or in comparison to pitchers after primary UCLR. While not statistically significant, a trend was demonstrated that there was a clinically relevant decrease in FB % usage, potentially suggesting less confidence in their FB.Table 1.Comparison of major league baseball (MLB) revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) between pre-injury and post-operative performance. The pre-injury performance was collected for the year prior to injury while the post-operative performance was collected for the first and second years after return-to-play. Statistical comparisons were made between pre-injury performance versus the performance at 1 and 2 years after return to the MLB. Fastball (FB) velocity reported as a mean in miles-per-hour (mph). WHIP- walks and hits per inning pitched, BB/9-walks per 9 inning, K/9- strikeouts per 9 innings, *-statistically significantTable 2.Comparison of major league baseball (MLB) pitchers with revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) versus a group of primary UCLR (controls) in their pre-injury season prior to their respective surgical intervention. Fastball (FB) velocity reported as a mean in miles-per-hour (mph).. WHIP- walks and hits per inning pitched, BB/9-walks per 9 inning, K/9- strikeouts per 9 innings, *-statistically significantTable 3.Comparison of major league baseball (MLB) pitchers with revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) versus a group of primary UCLR (controls) in their first season after return to play. Fastball (FB) velocity reported as a mean in miles-per-hour (mph). WHIP- walks and hits per inning pitched, BB/9-walks per 9 inning, K/9- strikeouts per 9 innings, *-statistically significantTable 4.Comparison of major league baseball (MLB) pitchers with revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) versus a group of primary UCLR (controls) in their second season after return to play. Fastball (FB) velocity reported as a mean in miles-per-hour (mph). WHIP- walks and hits per inning pitched, BB/9-walks per 9 inning, K/9- strikeouts per 9 innings, *-statistically significant

Return to play after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with concurrent posterior-compartment decompression.

Medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries and posterior elbow impingement commonly affect throwing athletes. Surgical intervention for each of these pathologies individually has been demonstrated to be successful with high return-to-play (RTP) rates. Our purpose was to report RTP rates for patients treated with concurrent UCL reconstruction (UCLR) and arthroscopic posterior débridement performed by the senior author. We retrospectively reviewed all elbow medial UCL procedures performed by the senior author from January 2016 through September 2020. The inclusion criteria included an elbow medial UCL operation with arthroscopic posterior-compartment débridement in a throwing athlete. The exclusion criteria included isolated UCLR surgery, non-primary surgery, and revision UCLR with either autograft or allograft. Using a chart review and publicly available information, we were able to determine patients' playing levels after their operations. Twelve patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average age was 24.27 years (standard deviation,4.92 years). Of the 12 patients, 10 returned to play at the same level (4 Major League Baseball players and 1 Triple A player) or at a higher level (2 players from Single A to Double A, 1 player from National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I to Single A, 1 player from rookie league to Single A, and 1 player from high school to National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I), 1 did not return to play, and 1 returned to play at a lower level, with an average RTP time of 14.64 months (standard deviation, 2.64 months). Of the 12 patients, 11 were pitchers; of these 11 pitchers, 9 had statistics available both before and after UCLR. Before UCLR, the average statistics for the pitchers were as follows: earned run average, 4.11±0.85; walks and hits per inning pitched, 1.42±0.26; strikeout-to-walk ratio, 3.00±1.83; strikeouts per 9 innings, 8.80±1.14; and innings pitched, 234.88±316.74. After UCLR, their average statistics were as follows: earned run average, 5.24±2.18 (P=.189); walks and hits per inning pitched, 1.55±0.34 (P=.379); strikeout-to-walk ratio, 2.15±0.98 (P=.263); strikeouts per 9 innings, 9.67±1.91 (P=.293); and innings pitched, 138.71±162.97 (P=.487). Although surgical intervention to address both posterior impingement and UCL injury is relatively rare (comprising 8.5% of all the senior author's UCLR procedures), our experience demonstrates that primary UCLR with concurrent arthroscopic posterior decompression is a reliable, safe, and successful surgical treatment for patients with UCL injury and posterior impingement and our results show no significant difference in statistical performance in pitchers before surgery vs. after surgery.

Outcomes After Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Graft Repair in Professional Baseball Pitchers With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

Background:Rerupture of the reconstructed ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is becoming more frequent at the professional level of baseball. However, there is no literature describing outcomes after UCL graft repair.Purpose:To evaluate rerupture rate, return to play, performance upon return, and patient-reported outcomes after a novel UCL graft repair technique.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:All included patients underwent UCL graft repair after a previous UCL reconstruction, pitched in at least 1 professional baseball game before repair, and were at least 2 years postprocedure within the same 10-year time period. The authors evaluated patient characteristics and performance metrics, including wins, losses, win percentage, earned run average, innings pitched, walks and hits per inning pitched, for the 2 seasons before and after the procedure. Patients were contacted to assess UCL rerupture, timing of return to sport, current level of competition, Conway score, and Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score.Results:Six players met the inclusion criteria. All had proximal UCL graft ruptures and underwent flexor-pronator tendon repair in combination with graft repair. At a mean (±SD) follow-up of 56.7 ± 37.8 months, no reruptures were encountered, and the mean KJOC score was 87.9 ± 14.6. Of the 6 pitchers who underwent UCL graft repair, 4 (67%) returned to professional pitching at a mean of 17 ± 6 months. Three of the 6 (50%) achieved an excellent Conway score, signifying a return to prior level of sport. There was no significant difference in demographic or preoperative pitching performance metrics between players who did and did not return to pitching. For those players who returned to professional pitching, there was no significant difference between preprocedure and postprocedure performance statistics.Conclusion:Repair of the UCL graft appears to yield comparable rates of return to play and performance with revision UCL reconstruction. This technique serves as a viable alternative for proximal avulsion ruptures of the UCL graft.

Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Criteria Following Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) is a viable treatment option for patients with UCL insufficiency, especially in the overhead throwing athlete. Within the clinical literature, there is still no universally agreed upon optimal rehabilitation protocol and timing for return to sport (RTS) after UCLR. Hypothesis: There will be significant heterogeneity with respect to RTS criteria after UCLR. Most surgeons will utilize time-based criteria rather than functional or performance-based criteria for RTS after UCLR. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All level 1 to 4 studies that evaluated UCLR with a minimum 1-year follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Studies lacking explicit RTS criteria, studies that treated UCL injury nonoperatively or by UCL repair, or studies reporting revision UCLR were excluded. Each study was analyzed for methodologic quality, RTS, timeline of RTS, and RTS rate. Results: Overall, 1346 studies were identified, 33 of which met the inclusion criteria. These included 3480 athletes across 21 different sports. All studies reported RTS rates either as overall rates or via the Conway-Jobe scale. Timelines for RTS ranged from 6.5 to 16 months. Early bracing with progressive range of motion (ROM) (93.9%), strengthening (84.8%), and participation in an interval throwing program (81.8%) were the most common parameters emphasized in these rehabilitation protocols. While all studies included at least 1 of 3 metrics for the RTS value assessment, most commonly postoperative rehabilitation (96.97%) and set timing after surgery (96.97%), no article completely defined RTS criteria after UCLR. Conclusion: Overall, 93.9% of studies report utilizing bracing with progressive ROM, 84.8% reported strengthening, and 81.8% reported participation in an interval throwing program as rehabilitation parameters after UCLR. In addition, 96.97% reported timing after surgery as a criterion for RTS; however, there is a wide variability within the literature on the recommended time from surgery to return to activity. Future research should focus on developing a comprehensive checklist of functional and performance-based criteria for safe RTS after UCLR.

Biomechanical assessment of docking ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction after failed ulnar collateral ligament repair with suture augmentation

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with single-strand suture augmentation has been introduced as a viable surgical option for throwers with acute UCL tears. For the original single-strand suture augmentation construct, revision UCL reconstructions can be challenging owing to the bone loss at the site of anchor insertion in the center of the sublime tubercle. This biomechanical study assessed a small-diameter (1.5-mm) ulnar bone tunnel technique for double-strand suture-augmented UCL repair that may be more easily converted to salvage UCL reconstruction if necessary, as well as a salvage UCL reconstruction with a docking technique after a failed primary suture-augmented UCL repair. In 7 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities (mean age, 66.3 years), a custom shoulder testing system was used to simulate the late cocking phase of throwing. The elbow valgus opening angle was evaluated using a MicroScribe 3DLX device for sequentially increasing valgus torque (from 0.75 to 7.5 Nm in 0.75-Nm increments) at 90° of flexion. Valgus angular stiffness (in newton-meters per degree) was defined as the correlation of sequentially increasing valgus torque with the valgus opening angle through simple linear regression (slope of valgus torque - valgus opening angle curve). Four conditions were tested: intact elbow, distal UCL avulsion, primary UCL repair with double-strand suture augmentation using small-diameter bone tunnels, and subsequent docking UCL reconstruction in the same specimen. Load-to-failure tests were performed for primary UCL repair with double-strand suture augmentation and subsequent docking UCL reconstruction. With increasing elbow valgus torque, the valgus opening angle increased linearly in each condition (R2 ≥ 0.98, P < .001). Distal UCL avulsion resulted in significantly decreased angular stiffness compared with the intact UCL (P < .001). Both UCL repair with double-strand suture augmentation and subsequent UCL reconstruction showed significantly increased angular stiffness values compared with distal UCL avulsion (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). On load-to-failure testing, there was no significant difference in stiffness, yield torque, and ultimate torque between the primary suture-augmented UCL repair and the subsequent UCL reconstruction (P = .11, P = .77, and P = .38, respectively). In all specimens undergoing the small-diameter ulnar bone tunnel technique for double-strand suture-augmented UCL repair, failure occurred by retear of the repaired ligament without causing an ulnar bone bridge fracture. Primary UCL repair with double-strand suture augmentation using small-diameter bone tunnels was able to restore valgus stability. When failure occurs, this technique retains enough cortical bone to permit subsequent docking UCL reconstruction.

Return-to-Play and Competitive Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Among Baseball Players: A Systematic Review.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) is very common in baseball. However, no review has compared the return-to-play (RTP) and in-game performance statistics of pitchers after primary and revision UCLR as well as of position players after UCLR.Purpose:To review, synthesize, and evaluate the published literature on outcomes after UCLR in baseball players to determine RTP and competitive outcomes among various populations of baseball players.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A literature search including studies between 1980 and November 4, 2019, was conducted for articles that included the following terms: ulnar collateral ligament, elbow, medial collateral ligament, Tommy John surgery, throwing athletes, baseball pitchers, biomechanics, and performance. To be included, studies must have evaluated baseball players at any level who underwent UCLR (primary or revision) and assessed RTP and/or competitive outcomes.Results:A total of 29 studies with relatively high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. After primary UCLR, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers returned to play in 80% to 97% of cases in approximately 12 months; however, return to the same level of play (RTSP) was less frequent and took longer, with 67% to 87% of MLB pitchers returning in about 15 months. RTP rates for MLB pitchers after revision UCLR were slightly lower, ranging from 77% to 85%, while RTSP rates ranged from 55% to 78%. RTP rates for catchers (59%-80%) were generally lower than RTP rates for infielders (76%) and outfielders (89%). All studies found a decrease in pitching workloads after UCLR. Fastball usage may also decrease after UCLR. Changes in earned run average and walks plus hits per inning pitched were inconclusive.Conclusion:Pitchers returned to play after UCLR in approximately 12 months and generally took longer to return to their same level of play. Pitchers also returned to play less frequently after revision UCLR. After both primary and revision UCLR, professional pitchers experienced decreased workloads and potentially decreased fastball usage as well. Catchers may RTP after UCLR less frequently than pitchers, infielders, and outfielders possibly because of the frequency of throwing in the position. These results will help guide clinical decision making and patient education when treating UCL tears in baseball players.

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Revision Reconstruction in Baseball Players

Background: There is a lack of evidence regarding the success of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) revision reconstruction. Understanding outcomes after UCL revision reconstruction is important in clinical decision making for overhead athletes. Purpose: To evaluate return to play and patient-reported outcomes after UCL revision reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients who underwent UCL revision reconstruction, attributed to retear of the ligament or pain, between June 2004 and July 2016 at 2 surgical centers were identified. Charts were reviewed for age, sex, date of primary and revision reconstruction, sport played, level of play, graft type, and complications. Patients were contacted by telephone to determine time to return to play, current level of participation, Conway score, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score, and satisfaction. Results: Of the 65 consecutive baseball players who underwent revision UCL reconstruction, 40 (62%) were contacted at a minimum 22 months after surgery. Of these, 38 (95%) were pitchers and 2 (5%) were position players. Time to return to throwing was 6.2 ± 2.3 months (mean ± SD), and the KJOC score was 74.2 ± 20.7. Based on the Conway score, 50% (20/40) had an excellent result, indicating a return to the previous competition level for at least 1 year, and 30% (12/40) had a good result, indicating a return to a lower level for at least 1 year. For those who were able to return to competition, it took 12.7 ± 3.6 months. In pitchers, 47% (18/38) returned to their previous competition levels for at least 1 year, with a KJOC score of 73.7 ± 21.1. Pitchers were able to return to throwing at 6.3 ± 2.3 months and competition at 12.8 ± 3.7 months. Conclusion: Only half of baseball players undergoing UCL revision reconstruction were able to return to their previous levels of competition. Outcomes for revision reconstructions are not as promising as primary procedures. Baseball players should be cautioned that they may not return to their previous levels of play after a revision reconstruction.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Location May Affect Return-to-Sports Rate but Not Performance Upon Return to Sports After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Professional Baseball Players

Background: The number of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in professional baseball players is increasing. UCL reconstruction (UCLR) is the treatment of choice in players with failed nonoperative treatment who wish to return to sports (RTS). It is unknown if UCL tear location influences the ability of players to RTS or affects their performance upon RTS. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to compare the RTS rate and performance upon RTS in professional baseball players who underwent UCLR based on UCL tear location (proximal vs distal). It was hypothesized that no difference in RTS rate or performance upon RTS will exist between players with proximal or distal UCL tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All professional baseball players who underwent primary UCLR by a single surgeon between 2016 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Players with purely midsubstance tears or revision UCLR were excluded. Tear location was determined based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intraoperative findings. RTS rate and performance were compared between players with proximal versus distal UCL tears. Results: Overall, 25 pitchers (15 proximal and 10 distal tears) and 5 position players (2 proximal and 3 distal) underwent primary UCLR between 2016 and 2018. Of the 25 pitchers, 84% were able to RTS. Of the 5 position players, 80% were able to RTS. Among the total cohort of pitchers and position players, 12 out of 17 (71%) players with proximal tears were able to RTS, while of the 13 distal tears, 13 out of 13 (100%) players were able to RTS (P = .05). With regard to performance data, pitchers with distal tears had higher utilization postoperatively and, as such, allowed statistically more hits (P = .03), runs (P = .015), and walks (P = .021) postoperatively. However, the WHIP ([walks + hits]/innings pitched) was not different between players with proximal or distal tears, indicating that efficacy in games was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Professional baseball players who sustain a distal UCL tear and undergo UCLR may be more likely to RTS than those who sustain a proximal UCL tear and undergo UCLR. Players with distal UCL tears who underwent UCLR saw higher utilization postoperatively than those with proximal UCL tears. Further work is needed in this area to confirm this result.

Successful Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 88 Drafted Professional Baseball Pitchers With a Matched Comparison Cohort.

Background:Analysis of pitchers entering the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is challenging for team physicians.Purpose:(1) To define the characteristics of pitchers drafted after UCLR associated with placement in AAA and MLB professional levels and completion of a career of at least 3 years, (2) to define characteristics placing pitchers at risk for reinjury after surgery, (3) to compare the professional-level placement and career duration of the UCLR cohort with a matched control group, and (4) to evaluate the accuracy of team physician predraft risk assessments to predict elbow reinjury in pitchers with a history of UCLR.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We analyzed pitchers from a single professional baseball team database who were drafted after UCLR from 2010 to 2013. A matched control group based on position and draft year was selected with the MLB database. The following pitcher characteristics were analyzed: age at the time of UCLR, time from UCLR to the MLB draft, pitching role (starter vs reliever), highest level of play attained, body mass index (BMI), throwing-side dominance, and predraft physician risk assessment. Physician assessments to predict risk for elbow reinjury were derived from operative and clinical history and evaluated for accuracy during the follow-up period. Pitcher characteristics were evaluated for correlation with successful AAA or MLB placement with a career duration of at least 3 years and as risk factors for elbow reinjury. The professional-level achievement and career duration of the UCLR cohort were compared with the matched cohort.Results:A total of 88 pitchers matched the selection criteria and had at least 5 years of follow-up (range, 5-8 years). Pitcher age at the time of UCLR (P = .55), throwing-side dominance (P = .41), and BMI (P = .86) did not correlate with AAA- or MLB-level placement. Relief pitchers (P = .03) and pitchers with a longer time from surgery to final follow-up (P = .02) were more likely to reach the AAA or MLB level. Similarly, pitcher age at the time of UCLR (P = .56), throwing-side dominance (P = .27), and BMI (P = .69) did not correlate with a duration of play of at least 3 years. Relief pitchers (P = .03) and pitchers with a longer time from UCLR to the final follow-up (P = .005) were more likely to achieve at least 3 years of play. There was no difference in AAA or MLB placement between the UCLR and matched cohorts (P = .22). The UCLR cohort achieved a higher duration of play than the matched cohort (P = .002). Pitchers with a BMI >25 kg/m2 had a lower risk of elbow reinjury versus players with a BMI ≤25 kg/m2 (P = .012). Patient age at time of UCLR (P = .92), time from UCLR to the MLB draft (P = .18), pitching role (P = .74), and throwing-side dominance (P = .77) did not correlate with elbow reinjury. Physician risk assessment did not accurately predict reinjury (P = .27). Of the 88 patients, 4 (4.5%) required revision UCLR.Conclusion:Pitcher age at the time of UCLR, throwing-side dominance, and BMI did not correlate with performance. Relief pitchers and players with a longer time from surgery to final follow-up were more likely to reach AAA and MLB levels and achieve at least a 3-year duration of play. Pitchers with a greater BMI had a lower risk of reinjury. After UCLR, pitchers were able to perform at least as well as the matched nonsurgical cohort. Physician risk assessment at the time of the draft was not accurate at predicting reinjury.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Modified Internal Brace Construct for the Treatment of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair augmented with the “internal brace” construct for the management of acute UCL injuries has recently garnered increasing interest from the sports medicine community. One concern with this technique is excessive bone loss at the sublime tubercle, should revision UCL reconstruction be required. In an effort to preserve the bony architecture of the sublime tubercle, an alternative internal brace construct is proposed and biomechanically compared with the gold standard UCL reconstruction.Hypothesis:The internal brace repair construct will restore valgus laxity and rotation to its native state and demonstrate comparable load-to-failure characteristics with the 3-strand reconstruction technique.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:For this study, 8 matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were randomized to undergo either UCL reconstruction with the 3-ply docking technique or UCL repair with a novel internal brace construct focused on augmenting the posterior band of the anterior bundle of the ligament (modified repair-IB technique). Valgus laxity and rotation measurements were quantified through use of a MicroScribe 3DLX digitizer at various flexion angles of the native ligament, transected ligament, and repaired or reconstructed ligament. Laxity testing was performed from maximum extension to 120° of flexion. Each specimen was then loaded to failure, and the method of failure was recorded.Results:Valgus laxity was restored to the intact state at all degrees of elbow flexion with the modified repair-IB technique, and rotation was restored to the intact state at both full extension and 30°. In the reconstruction group, valgus laxity was not restored to the intact state at either full extension or 30° of flexion (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). Laxity was restored at 60° of flexion, but the elbow was overconstrained at 90° and 120° of flexion (P = .027 and P = .003, respectively). In load-to-failure testing, the reconstruction group demonstrated significantly greater yield torque (19.1 vs 9.0 N·m; P < .005), yield angle (10.2° vs 5.4°; P = .007), and ultimate torque (23.9 vs 17.6 N·m; P = .039).Conclusion:UCL repair with posterior band internal bracing was able to restore valgus laxity and rotation to the native state. The construct exhibited lower load-to-failure characteristics when compared with the reconstruction technique.Clinical Relevance:In selected patients with acute, avulsion-type UCL injuries, ligament repair with posterior band internal bracing is a viable alternative surgical option that, by preserving bone at the sublime tubercle, may decrease the complexity of future revision procedures.

Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball: Current Trends, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes.

Background:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow is commonly performed on professional baseball pitchers. Recent reports have suggested that revision rates are on the rise and may be higher than previously thought.Purpose:To provide a comprehensive report on current trends, surgical techniques, and outcomes of revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:The Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) was used to compile records of all revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Player data and outcomes were obtained from HITS, and surgical details were obtained from operative reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on epidemiologic data. Outcomes (return to play [RTP] rates, RTP times, subsequent injuries, and subsequent surgeries) were compared across the most common surgical techniques (docking vs modified Jobe) and graft sources (palmaris longus autograft vs hamstring autograft).Results:A total of 69 professional baseball pitchers underwent revision UCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2016 at an average of 1424 days (47 months) after their primary surgery. A trend was seen toward increasing numbers of revision surgeries over time (R2 = 0.441; P = .104). The most commonly used tunnel configuration was the modified Jobe technique (n = 41; 59.4%), and the most commonly used graft was hamstring autograft (n = 34; 49.3%). A majority (76.6%) of pitchers achieved RTP, and 55.3% were able to return to the same level of play. Mean time to RTP was 436 days (14.5 months) for players with a palmaris longus autograft versus 540 days (18 months) for those with a hamstring autograft (P = .108). Further, the mean time to RTP was 423 days (14 months) for the docking technique versus 519 days (17 months) for the modified Jobe technique (P = .296). Similar rates of subsequent injuries and surgeries were noted between the 2 revision techniques and 2 most commonly used graft constructs.Conclusion:Revision UCL reconstruction showed relatively high RTP rates (77%), but only 55% of players returned to their same level of play. Mean time to RTP was shorter than that found in other, smaller investigations. Although general trends were seen toward decreased time to RTP for the docking technique and palmaris longus autograft, these differences did not reach statistical significance.

Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball: Current Trends, Surgical Techniques, and Outcomes

Objectives: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction of the elbow is a commonly performed surgery on professional baseball pitchers. Recent reports have suggested that revision rates are on the rise and may be higher than previously thought. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive report on current trends, surgical techniques, and outcomes of revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Methods: The Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) was used to compile records of all revision UCL reconstructions performed on professional baseball pitchers between 2010 and 2016. Player data and outcomes were obtained from HITS while surgical details were obtained from operative reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on epidemiologic data. Outcomes (return to play rates, return to play times, subsequent injuries, and subsequent surgeries) were compared across the most common surgical techniques (Docking vs. Modified Jobe) and graft sources (palmaris longus autograft vs. hamstring autograft). Results: A total of 69 professional baseball pitchers underwent revision UCL reconstruction from 2010 to 2016 at an average of 1,424 days (47 months) after their primary surgery. There was a trend toward increasing numbers of revision surgeries over time (R2=0.441; p=0.104). The most commonly used tunnel configuration was the Modified Jobe technique (n=41, 59.4%) and the most common graft utilized was hamstring autograft (n=34, 49.3%). 76.6% of pitchers were able to return to play (RTP) and 55.3% were able to return to the same level of play. Mean time to RTP in players with a palmaris longus autograft was 436 days versus 540 days for hamstring autograft (p=0.108) and the mean time to RTP in players was 423 days for the Docking technique versus 519 days for the Modified Jobe technique (p=0.296). Similar rates of subsequent injuries and surgeries were noted between the two revision techniques and two most commonly used graft constructs. Conclusion: This report detailing revision UCL reconstruction amongst professional baseball pitchers showed a trend towards increasing numbers of revisions being performed, a finding consistent with other recent studies. The overall return to play percentage was higher than previously reported (76.6%); however, significantly fewer (55.3%) players returned to the same level of play. This work also demonstrated decreased return to play times (n=484 days, SD: 117.3) compared to other investigations. The Modified Jobe was the most commonly used surgical technique and the two most commonly used graft constructs were hamstring autograft and palmaris longus autograft. Although this analysis did not reveal any statistically significant comparative differences between surgical techniques or graft constructs, future studies involving head-to-head comparisons of these surgical variables, specific to revision UCL reconstruction, may be helpful in improving player outcomes and career performance.

Comparison of Outcomes Based on Graft Type and Tunnel Configuration for Primary Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Background: Professional baseball pitchers are at high risk for tears of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow, often requiring surgical reconstruction. Despite acceptable published return-to-play outcomes, multiple techniques and graft types have been described. Purpose: This study compares UCL reconstruction (UCLR) outcomes based on tunnel configuration and graft type. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: After approval from our institutional review board and Major League Baseball (MLB), 566 professional baseball pitchers who underwent UCLR between 2010 and 2014 were identified and included. The following patient characteristics were analyzed: age, pitching role (starter vs reliever), level of play (MLB vs Minor League Baseball [MiLB]), and throwing side dominance. Surgical factors analyzed included reconstruction technique, graft type, and concomitant procedures. Primary outcome measures consisted of the ability to return to play at any level (RTP), ability to return to the same level of play (RSL), time to return, subsequent elbow injuries, and need for subsequent or revision elbow surgery. The effects of patient and surgical factors on outcomes were analyzed using multivariate linear and logistic regression modeling. Results: The RTP rate was 79.9%, and the RSL rate was 71.2%. Grafts used to reconstruct the UCL included the palmaris longus autograft (n = 361, 63.7%), the gracilis autograft (n = 135, 23.8%), and other grafts (n = 70, 12.5%). Surgical techniques utilized were the docking technique (n = 171, 30.2%), the modified Jobe technique (n = 290, 51.2%), and other techniques (n = 105, 18.6%). There were no significant differences in the time to RTP or RSL based on reconstruction technique or graft type. RTP rates were similar for the docking versus modified Jobe technique (80.1% vs 82.4%, respectively; P = .537) and for the 2 primary graft types (83.1% for palmaris longus vs 80.7% for gracilis; P = .596). The rate of subsequent elbow surgery was 10.5% for the docking technique versus 14.8% for the modified Jobe technique (P = .203), and the rate of revision UCLR was 2.9% versus 6.2% for the docking versus modified Jobe technique, respectively (P = .128). Significant trends toward an increasing use of the palmaris longus autograft (P = .023) and the docking technique (P = .006) were observed. MLB pitchers were more likely than MiLB pitchers to RTP (P < .001) and RSL (P < .001), but they required a longer time to return (mean difference, 35 days; P = .039) and had a higher likelihood of subsequent elbow (odds ratio [OR], 3.58 [95% CI, 2.06-6.23]; P < .001) and forearm injuries (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.99-16.30]; P = .004) but not subsequent elbow surgery. No specific variables correlated with the rates of subsequent elbow surgery or revision UCLR in the multivariate analysis. The use of concomitant ulnar nerve transposition did not affect outcomes. Conclusion: Surgical outcomes in professional baseball players are not significantly influenced by UCLR technique or graft type. There was a high rate (46.3%) of subsequent throwing elbow injuries. MLB pitchers were more likely to RTP and RSL, but they had a higher frequency of subsequent elbow and forearm injuries than MiLB pitchers. Both the docking technique and the palmaris longus autograft are increasing in popularity among surgeons treating professional baseball players.

Outcomes With a Focus on Return to Play for Revision Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Among Elite-Level Baseball Players: A Systematic Review

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is commonly performed among overhead throwing athletes. Previous studies demonstrated relatively high rates of return to sport after primary reconstruction. Outcomes after revision UCL reconstruction have not been widely studied. Purpose: To report the rate of return to sport after revision UCL reconstruction among elite-level baseball players. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed for high-level baseball players undergoing revision UCL reconstruction. Study bias was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scoring system. The primary outcome measure was whether the study participants were able to return to sport after revision UCL reconstruction. Secondary outcome measures included career length after revision and pitching performance statistics. Data were summarized with ranges, tables, and weighted averages. A subjective analysis was performed. Results: A total of 5 studies met inclusion criteria. The rate of return to sport at preinjury level was 62.8%. Among Major League Baseball pitchers, the rate of return to sport at the preinjury level was 68.8%. The rate of return to sport at the same level or lower (Major League Baseball, minor league, collegiate) was 78.1%. Time to return to sport ranged from 1.3 to 1.7 years. Mean earned run average after revision ranged from 4.87 to 5.04. Mean number of innings pitched per season after revision ranged from 36.95 to 50.5. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated a limited rate of return to preinjury level of sport among elite-level baseball players who underwent revision UCL reconstruction. Pitching durability and career longevity were inferior to results that were reported for players who underwent primary UCL reconstruction alone. This study suggests that outcomes after revision UCL reconstruction are not reliable and elite-level players should be counseled accordingly.