Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Research Articles

Favorable Outcomes Following Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Repair, Though Repair Associated with Increased Risk of Revision Surgery

To assess the risk of revision surgery following repair versus reconstruction of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow in a national sample of patients in the United States. This was a retrospective cohort study of young patients (≤35 years old) who underwent primary UCL reconstruction or repair for an isolated medial UCL injury of the elbow from October 2015 through October 2022 in a large national database (PearlDiver). Patient demographic data, comorbidities, surgical details, and concomitant ulnar nerve procedures were collected. Time-to-event analyses were used to assess the risk of revision UCL surgery between groups. Two-year complication rates, including ulnar neuropathy, were also assessed. In total, 1,820 patients (69.9% reconstruction, 30.1% repair) with an average follow-up of 2.9 years met inclusion criteria. The estimated 2-year revision-free survival (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 99.5% (99.1%-99.9%) for UCL reconstruction compared to 97.9% (96.4%-99.3%) for UCL repair (unadjusted Log-rank p=0.032). UCL repair remained associated with an increased risk of revision UCL surgery after adjusting for confounding variables (hazard ratio 2.94, 95% CI 1.07-8.09, p=0.037). Complication rates were similar between reconstruction and repair, including the incidence of ulnar neuropathy (13.8% vs. 14.5%, p=0.78). In this study, we found that UCL repair was associated with a significantly higher risk of revision UCL surgery than UCL reconstruction in a national sample. Importantly, however, overall failure rates were low and complication rates were similar between procedures. These findings support the overall favorable outcomes of UCL repair, while suggesting it may not necessarily be the optimal treatment for all patients. 3 - retrospective cohort study.

Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes After Tendon Autograft Reconstruction of the Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament

This study aimed to report clinical and patient-reported outcomes collected in a registry after thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction with a free tendon autograft. Furthermore, the patient-reported outcomes of patients with persistent instability after reconstruction and patients with concomitant metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis diagnosed during surgery were analyzed. Patients undergoing reconstruction with a tendon autograft between December 2011 and February 2021 were included. Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) scores at baseline were compared with those at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Stability was tested at 3 months after surgery. Tip and key pinch strength and metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion were measured at baseline and 12 months after surgery. We included 31 patients with thumb UCL insufficiency or failed UCL surgery who underwent reconstruction. The MHQ total score improved significantly from 62 at baseline to 75 at 3 months and continued to increase to 84 at 12 months after surgery. The MHQ function and pain scores improved significantly from intake to 3 and 12 months after surgery. Twenty-six of 31 patients (84%) regained postoperative metacarpophalangeal stability. Key pinch strength improved significantly 12 months after surgery from 5.2 kg at baseline to 6.4 kg at 12 months. The MHQ total, pain, and function scores of patients with persistent instability remained similar from baseline to 12 months after surgery. In four patients with metacarpophalangeal arthritis, the MHQ total and pain score improved significantly from baseline to 3 and 12 months after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes, including pain and function, improved after thumb UCL reconstruction with a tendon autograft. Although the sample size of patients with thumb metacarpophalangeal arthritis diagnosed during surgery was small, they reached adequate patient-reported outcomes at 12 months after surgery. Therapeutic 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.

Analysis of patient-directed search content and online resource quality for ulnar collateral ligament injury and surgery

Patients use the Internet to learn information about injuries, yet online content remains largely unstudied. This study analyzed patient questions posed online regarding ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears or UCL surgical management. Three separate search strings about UCL tear and UCL surgery were queried on the Google search engine. The 300 most commonly asked questions were compiled for each topic and associated webpage information was collected from the "People also ask" section. Questions were categorized using the Rothwell classification and webpages by Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. The most frequent UCL tear questions were "how long does it take to heal a torn UCL?" and "what is nonsurgical treatment for the UCL?" The most frequent UCL surgery question was "can you retear your UCL after surgery?" The Rothwell classification of questions for UCL tear/UCL surgery was 55%/32% policy, 38%/57% fact, and 7%/11% value with highest subcategories being indications/management (46%/25%) and technical details (24%/25%). The most common webpages were academic (39%/29%) and medical practice (24%/26%). Mean JAMA score for all 600 webpages was low (1.2), with journals (mean=3.4) having the highest score. Medical practice (mean=0.5) and legal websites (mean=0.0) had the lowest JAMA scores. Only 30% of webpages provided UCL-specific information. Online UCL patient questions commonly pertain to technical details and injury management. Webpages suggested by search engines contain information specific to UCL tears and surgery only one-third of the time. The quality of most webpages provided to patients is poor, with minimal source transparency.

Poster 206: What are the Indications for Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Baseball Players? An MRI Case-based Study

Objectives: Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) tears are common in baseball players. When non-operative management fails; reconstruction or repair may be necessary to restore physical function. There is no clear consensus regarding the indications for surgery based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tear characteristics, or the indications for selecting repair over reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to define the indications for UCL surgery based on MRI and to elucidate indications for UCL repair vs reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-six orthopaedic surgeons who treat baseball players were surveyed. Forty-five MRIs were reviewed: 15 without UCL tears, 15 with intra-operatively confirmed partial-thickness tears, and 15 with full-thickness tears. Factors investigated included ligament characteristics (peri-ligamentous or osseous edema, ligament hypertrophy, calcification, partial or full-thickness tearing) and location (proximal, mid-substance, or distal). Surgeons were given a clinical scenario and asked whether 1) surgery was indicated and 2) whether repair or reconstruction was recommended. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) helped identify significant predictors for both queries. Results: The odds of recommending surgical treatment compared to non-operative treatment were 2.4x more likely for a proximal partial-thickness tear, 3.2x for distal partial-thickness tear, 5.1x for distal full- thickness tear, and 7.0x for proximal full-thickness tear (p&lt;0.001). Significant indications for repair included distal partial (OR=1.6, 95%CI 1.0, 2.1, p&lt;0.001) and full-thickness tears (OR=1.7, 95%CI 1.1, 2.3, p&lt;0.001). Repair was 3x less likely recommended for mid-substance full-thickness tears (OR=3.0, 95%CI - 5.0, -1.0, p=0.004). Ultrasound stress testing was requested in 78% of partial tears. Conclusions: Among surgeons surveyed, the highest odds for recommending operative treatment were proximal full-thickness tears, then distal full-thickness, distal partial-thickness, and proximal partial- thickness tears. Repair was most appropriate for partial and full-thickness distal tears, but relatively contraindicated for complete mid-substance UCL tears. Ultrasound stress testing was frequently requested for partial tears. Given the lack of consensus among surgeons, future prospective registries are necessary to determine whether these factors associate with clinical outcomes. [Table: see text]

Does Prehabilitation Prior to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Affect Return to Sport Rate or Time in Baseball Pitchers with Partial UCL Tears?

Does Prehabilitation Prior to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Affect Return to Sport Rate or Time in Baseball Pitchers with Partial UCL Tears?

What are the indications for medial ulnar collateral ligament surgery in baseball players? An MRI case-based study.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are common in baseball players. When nonoperative management fails; reconstruction or repair may be necessary to restore physical function. There is no clear consensus regarding the indications for surgery based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tear characteristics or the indications for selecting repair over reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to define the indications for UCL surgery based on MRI and to elucidate indications for UCL repair vs. reconstruction. Twenty-six orthopedic surgeons who treat baseball players were surveyed. Forty-five MRIs were reviewed: 15 without UCL tears, 15 with intraoperatively confirmed partial-thickness tears, and 15 with full-thickness tears. Factors investigated included ligament characteristics (periligamentous or osseous edema, ligament hypertrophy, calcification, partial or full-thickness tearing) and location (proximal, midsubstance, or distal). Surgeons were given a clinical scenario and asked whether 1) surgery was indicated and 2) whether repair or reconstruction was recommended. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) helped identify significant predictors for both queries. The odds of recommending surgical treatment compared to nonoperative treatment were 2.4× more likely for a proximal partial-thickness tear, 3.2× for distal partial-thickness tear, 5.1× for distal full-thickness tear, and 7.0× for proximal full-thickness tear (P<.001). Significant indications for repair included distal partial (OR=1.6, 95% CI 1.0, 2.1, P<.001) and full-thickness tears (OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.1, 2.3, P<.001). Repair was 3× less likely recommended for midsubstance full-thickness tears (OR=3.0, 95% CI -5.0, -1.0, P=.004). Ultrasound stress testing was requested in 78% of partial tears. Among surgeons surveyed, the highest odds for recommending operative treatment were proximal full-thickness tears, then distal full-thickness, distal partial-thickness, and proximal partial-thickness tears. Repair was most appropriate for partial and full-thickness distal tears, but relatively contraindicated for complete midsubstance UCL tears. Ultrasound stress testing was frequently requested for partial tears. Given the lack of consensus among surgeons, future prospective registries are necessary to determine whether these factors associate with clinical outcomes.

Does Prehabilitation Before Surgery Affect Return to Sport in Baseball Pitchers With Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears?

Purposeful rehabilitation before surgery (prehabilitation) has been researched and implemented in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tears. However, it is unclear whether prehabilitation would affect outcomes for baseball pitchers with partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears. The purpose of this study was to determine whether baseball pitchers with partial UCL tears who completed ≥4 weeks of prehabilitation (prehab group) have different return to play (RTP) outcomes than pitchers with 0 to 3 weeks of preoperative physical therapy (no prehab group). We hypothesized that pitchers in the prehab group would have similar RTP rates compared with pitchers in the no prehab group. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Baseball pitchers of all competitive levels who underwent primary UCL reconstruction (UCLR) or UCL repair between 2010 and 2019 were included. Physician chart notes, magnetic resonance images, and operative notes were screened to confirm primary UCLR or UCL repair of a partial UCL tear and to identify whether the nonoperative treatment had been attempted. Patients were contacted via RedCap for postoperative complications, reoperations, RTP, and patient-reported outcomes (Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, Andrews-Timmerman score, Conway-Jobe score, and satisfaction). Overall, 105 baseball pitchers (n = 55 prehab group; n = 50 no prehab group) were included and evaluated at 3.4 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. Six pitchers underwent UCL repair, and 99 pitchers underwent UCLR. All demographic characteristics were similar between groups except the prehab group received a gracilis graft more frequently (76.5% vs 51.2%; P = .038). The RTP rate (prehab [88.1%] vs no prehab [93.8%]; P = .465) was similar between groups. All other postoperative outcomes were also similar between groups, including revision rates and patient-reported outcomes. Postoperative and patient-reported outcomes did not differ significantly between pitchers with partial UCL tears who performed rehabilitation before UCL surgery and pitchers who did not attempt a significant period of rehabilitation before UCL surgery. Clinicians should feel comfortable recommending rehabilitation for patients with partial UCL tears who wish to attempt a period of nonoperative treatment, as postoperative outcomes are not affected if UCL surgery is later needed.

Return to Play After Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries Managed Surgically in Athletes—A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available data on how surgical management of injuries to the thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) complex affects athletes and their return-to-play (RTP) and postinjury performance metrics in addition to evaluating rehabilitation guidelines. A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Embase databases for articles on outcomes of surgical treatment of thumb UCL injuries in athletes. Articles with expert recommendations on postoperative management and RTP guidelines were also included separately. Study characteristics were recorded, including sport, RTP rates, and data on performance. Recommendations were summarized by sport. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria was used to assess methodological quality. The authors also present their recommended return-to-sport algorithm. Twenty-three articles were included, including 11 with reports on patients and 12 expert opinions on guiding RTP. The mean MINORS score for the applicable studies was 9.4. In the 311 patients included, RTP was 98.1% in aggregate. No performance detriments were noted in athletes after surgery. Thirty-two (10.3%) patients had postoperative complications. The recommendations on timing to RTP vary by sport and author, but all recommended initial thumb protection when returning to sport. Newer techniques, such as suture tape augmentation, suggest the permission for earlier motion. Return-to-play rates after surgical treatment of thumb UCL injuries are high, with reassuring return to preinjury level of play with few complications. Recommendations for surgical technique have trended toward suture anchors and, now, suture tape augmentation with earlier motion protocols, although rehabilitation guidelines vary by sport and author. Current information on thumb UCL surgery in athletes is limited by the low quality of evidence and expert recommendations. Prognostic IV.

Systematic Assessment of the Quality and Comprehensibility of YouTube Content on Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury and Management.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction has received a unique level of attention in the press and social media. There has also been an increasing use of the internet by patients to seek medical information. Concern exists regarding the quality and comprehensibility of online information when used for patient education. To evaluate the quality and comprehensibility of the most-viewed YouTube videos related to the diagnosis and management of UCL injuries. Based on our new evidence-based scoring rubrics, we hypothesized that the quality and comprehensibility of these videos would be poor. Cross-sectional study. The YouTube platform was searched on September 7, 2021, with the terms "UCL injury," "ulnar collateral ligament injury," "UCL surgery," "ulnar collateral ligament surgery," and "Tommy John surgery," and the 50 most-viewed videos from each search were compiled, yielding 250 videos. After removal of duplicates and application of exclusion criteria, the 100 most-viewed videos remained. Basic attributes, including duration of video and number of views, were recorded. Each video was then analyzed by 2 independent reviewers and evaluated for 4 key parameters (quality of diagnostic content [QAR-D], quality of treatment content [QAR-T], presence of inaccurate information, and comprehensibility) and graded on a novel scale from 1 to 4 (4 being the most appropriate for patient education). The mean QAR-D was 4.83 ± 3.41 (fair quality), and the mean QAR-T was 2.76 ± 3.26 (poor quality). Physician-led educational videos had both the highest mean QAR-D (6.37) and the highest mean QAR-T (4.34). No correlation was observed between video quality and views/likes. A total of 12 videos included ≥1 inaccuracy. The mean comprehensibility score was 2.66 ± 1.12, with 39 videos falling below the acceptable comprehensibility threshold (score <3). The overall quality of UCL injury-related YouTube content was low. In addition, the absence of correlation between video quality and views/likes suggests that patients are not preferentially utilizing the limited high-quality content that does exist on the YouTube platform. In addition, inaccurate videos were prevalent (12%), and almost half of all videos were deemed inappropriate for patient education in terms of comprehensibility, as defined by our comprehensibility parameter.

Paper 23: Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Removal of A Posteromedial Osteophyte and Risk of Future Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Objectives: Despite successful return to sport (RTS) outcomes after posteromedial osteophyte resection, one possible consequence of removing this osteophyte is increased stress on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), leading to a UCL injury. It is currently unknown how often overhead athletes who have an isolated posteromedial osteophyte resection progress to require UCL reconstruction (UCLR). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report outcomes following arthroscopic resection of posteromedial osteophyte in overhead athletes and determine if baseball pitchers who underwent arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection for posteromedial impingement went on to require UCL surgery. Methods: All patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy from 2010-2020 were reviewed. Patients were included if they underwent isolated arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection without concomitant UCL surgery, were overhead athletes at the onset of posteromedial impingement symptoms and had no history of prior elbow surgery. Primary outcomes included RTS rate, complications, subsequent shoulder and elbow injury/surgery and several patient-reported outcome measures (Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, Timmerman-Andrews Elbow score, Conway-Jobe score). Results: Overall, 36 overhead athletes were evaluated at 5.1 years post-operatively, including 28 baseball pitchers, 3 baseball catchers, 3 softball players, 1 tennis player, and 1 volleyball player. 77% of overhead athletes RTS and had a mean KJOC score of 70, with 89% of athletes having either an excellent (73%) or good (16%) Conway-Jobe score at long-term follow-up. Subsequent UCLR was required in 18% (n=5) of baseball pitchers at a median of 13 months post-op. Three of the five UCLR were performed shortly after posteromedial osteophyte resection (6, 7, and 13 months post-op), while the other two UCLRs were performed at 6.2 and 7.5 years post-op. Conclusions: Following arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection, 77% of athletes were able to RTS. Baseball pitchers who undergo arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection have an 18% risk of subsequent UCLR.

Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears: A Modified Consensus Statement

To establish consensus statements on the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries and to investigate whether consensus on these distinct topics could be reached. A modified consensus technique was conducted among 26 elbow surgeons and 3 physical therapists/athletic trainers. Strong consensus was defined as 90% to 99% agreement. Of the 19 total questions and consensus statements 4 achieved unanimous consensus, 13 achieved strong consensus, and 2 did not achieve consensus. There was unanimous agreement that the risk factors include overuse, high velocity, poor mechanics, and previous injury. There was unanimous agreement that advanced imaging in the form of either magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance arthroscopy should be performed in a patient presenting with suspected/known UCL tear that plans to continue to play an overhead sport, or if the imaging study could change the management of the patient. There was unanimous agreement regarding lack of evidence for the use of orthobiologics in the treatment of UCL tears as well as the areas pitchers should focus on when attempting a course of nonoperative management. The statements that reached unanimous agreement for operative management were regarding operative indications and contraindications for UCL tears, prognostic factors that should be taken into consideration in when performing UCL surgery, how to deal with the flexor-pronator mass during UCL surgery, and use of an internal brace with UCL repairs. Statements that reached unanimous agreement for return to sport (RTS) were regarding portions of the physical examination should be considered when determining whether to allow a player to RTS; unclear how velocity, accuracy, and spin rate should be factored into the decision of when players can RTS and sports psychology testing should be used to determine whether a player is ready to RTS. V, expert opinion.

Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Posteromedial Osteophyte Resection and Risk of Future Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Despite successful return to sport (RTS) outcomes after posteromedial osteophyte resection, one possible consequence of removing this osteophyte is increased stress on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), leading to a UCL injury. It is currently unknown how often overhead athletes who have an isolated posteromedial osteophyte resection progress to require UCL reconstruction (UCLR). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report outcomes following arthroscopic resection of posteromedial osteophyte in overhead athletes and determine if overhead athletes who underwent arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection for posteromedial impingement went on to require UCL surgery. The authors hypothesized that there would be a high rate of RTS following osteophyte resection and that players who underwent arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection would have a >10% risk of requiring a subsequent UCLR or UCL repair. All patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy from 2010-2020 at a single institution were reviewed. Patients were included if they underwent isolated arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection without concomitant UCL surgery, were overhead athletes at the onset of posteromedial impingement symptoms and had no history of prior elbow surgery. Primary outcomes included RTS rate, complications, subsequent shoulder and/or elbow injury/surgery and several patient-reported outcome measures (Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score, Timmerman-Andrews Elbow score, Conway-Jobe score). Overall, 36 overhead athletes were evaluated at 5.1 ± 3.4 years postoperatively, including 28 baseball pitchers, 3 baseball catchers, 3 softball players, 1 tennis player, and 1 volleyball player. 77% of overhead athletes RTS and had a mean KJOC score of 70 and satisfaction score of 75, with 89% of athletes having either an excellent (73%) or good (16%) Conway-Jobe score at long-term follow-up. Subsequent UCLR was required in 18% (n=5) of baseball pitchers at a median of 13 months postop. Three of the five UCLR were performed shortly after posteromedial osteophyte resection (6, 7, and 13 months postop), while the other two UCLRs were performed at 6.2 and 7.5 years postop. Following arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection, 77% of athletes were able to RTS. Baseball pitchers who undergo arthroscopic resection of a posteromedial osteophyte for posteromedial impingement have an 18% risk of subsequent UCLR.

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.

Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Nonthrowing Athletes

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery continues to demonstrate excellent clinical outcomes and a high return-to-play (RTP) rate with a low complication rate. Recent studies have demonstrated similar clinical outcomes for baseball players who have undergone either UCL reconstruction or UCL repair. In comparison, few studies have assessed the clinical outcomes of UCL surgery for nonthrowing athletes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The primary objective of this study is to provide clinical outcomes of UCL surgery performed in nonthrowing athletes at a single institution with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Our hypothesis was that these patients would have similar clinical outcomes, complication rates, and RTP rates when compared with throwing athletes. Level of Evidence: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: From our longitudinal elbow registry, 40 nonthrowing athletes were identified who underwent UCL surgery (repair or reconstruction) between 2011 and 2019. Participant characteristics were recorded: age, sex, laterality, arm dominance, sport, level of competition, and type of surgery (UCL repair or reconstruction). Outcomes included RTP rate and average time, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and complications. Results: From the 40 patients eligible for inclusion in this study with a minimum 2-year follow-up, 37 (93%) were successfully contacted: 16 male (43%) and 21 female (57%). Mean ± standard deviation age at the time of surgery was 18.0 ± 3.7 years. From the 37 technical procedures, 28 (76%) were UCL repairs and 9 (24%) were UCL reconstructions. For these patients, 15 (41%) had partial tears, 20 (54%) had complete tears, 1 (3%) had a medial epicondyle avulsion, and 1 (3%) had an unspecified pathology. Sports included football (n = 11), gymnastics (11), cheerleading (7), wrestling (4), volleyball (2), basketball (1), and acrobatics (1). Quarterbacks were excluded from the football patients, as quarterbacks are throwing athletes. Level of competition included high school (n = 26), college (8), professional (2), and youth sports (1). The RTP rate was 93% (26/28) at a mean 7.4 months for UCL repair and 100% (9/9) at a mean 10.0 months for UCL reconstruction. Mean ASES scores were 94.4 and 98.7 for UCL repair and reconstruction, respectively. Complications were low, with 2 patients in the UCL repair group requiring ulnar nerve transposition for ulnar nerve paresthesia. Conclusion: In nonthrowing athletes, patients undergoing UCL repair and UCL reconstruction show favorable outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up. RTP and clinical outcomes are consistent with previous studies in baseball players as well as a parallel ongoing study conducted on non–baseball throwing athletes.

Paper 13: None: Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Non-Throwing Athletes

Objectives:Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery continues to improve since its inception by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974. There is now ample data on the outcomes of surgery for throwing athletes, such as baseball players, who undergo either UCL reconstruction or UCL repair. In comparison, there is very little available data regarding outcomes of UCL surgery for non-throwing athletes who are seeking similar benefit from the procedure. The primary objective of this study is to provide clinical outcomes of UCL surgery performed in non-throwing athletes at a single institution with a minimum two-year follow-up.Methods:Forty non-throwing athletes who underwent UCL surgery (repair or reconstruction) between 2011 and 2019 were identified. All surgeries were performed by one of three fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeons at our institution utilizing a uniform technique for repair or reconstruction. Demographics were recorded including age, sex, laterality, arm dominance, sport, level of competition, and type of surgery (UCL repair or reconstruction). Outcomes included return to play (rate and average time), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and complications.Results:Thirty-seven patients (92.5%) were available for evaluation with a minimum two-year follow-up consisting of 16 males (43%) and 21 females (57%). Mean age at the time of surgery was 18±3.7 years.28 UCL repairs (76%) and 9 UCL reconstructions (24%) were performed.Sports included football (n=11), gymnastics (11), cheerleading (7), wrestling (4), volleyball (2), basketball (1), and acrobatics (1). Quarterbacks were excluded from the football patients as quarterbacks are throwing athletes. Level of competition included youth (1), high school (26), college (8), and professional (2).Return to play rate was 93% (26 of 28) at a mean of 7.4 months for UCL repair, and 100% (9 of 9) at a mean of 10 months for UCL reconstruction.Mean ASES scores were 94.4 and 98.7 for UCL repair and reconstruction, respectively.Two Patients in the UCL repair group required ulnar neurolysis and revision ulnar nerve transposition.Conclusions:Both UCL reconstruction and UCL repair show favorable outcomes at minimum two-year follow-up in non-throwing athletes.93% or greater returned to play with good functional outcomes and minimal complications.Table 1.Patient CharacteristicsTable 2.Outcomes Comparison

A Comparison of Acute Versus Chronic Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery Using Primary Suture Anchor Repair and Local Soft Tissue Advancement

PurposeTo assess patient satisfaction and functional outcomes of primary suture anchor repair with local soft tissue advancement for both acute and chronic thumb ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patient charts who had undergone operative UCL repair between 2006 and 2013. Patients who had more than 8 weeks between the time of injury and surgery were classified as having chronic injuries. In both acute and chronic cases, a primary suture anchor repair of the ligament was performed with local soft tissue advancement. For each patient, baseline demographics, operative complications, and associated injuries were recorded along with visual analog scale pain scores; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; and their return to work or sport status. Comparisons of outcomes and complications were made between the groups (acute vs chronic injuries).ResultsAmong the 36 patients who met our inclusion criteria, both the acute (n = 19) and chronic (n = 17) groups were similar with regards to major or minor comorbidities, visual analog scale scores; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores; return to work or sport status; or patient satisfaction.ConclusionsPatients with both acute and chronic thumb UCL injuries have similarly acceptable functional outcomes, postoperative pain, and satisfaction. Primary suture anchor repair without ligament reconstruction appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients’ thumb UCL injuries, even in the chronic setting.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic III.

야구 선수의 팔꿈치 내측측부인대 부상에 대한 트레이닝적 접근 : 총설

Objectives The purpose of this study was to review the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury mechanism, treatment, rehabilitation, biomechanical characteristics and return-to-play after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) among baseball players. Methods We searched 4 electronic database (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SportDiscus, RISS) and conducted for articles that included the key words, Results UCL injuries mechanism were improper connection movement between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint, overuse of the elbow joint with a strong load, decreased range of motion of the shoulder joint, and weakness of the rotator cuff. UCL surgery is better for reconstruction than suture. The rehabilitation protocol fixes the elbow joint for tissue healing from the first week, and partial training of the wrist and shoulder joints other than the elbow joint can be helpful. After UCLR, baseball players returned to play 9 to 15 months. Conclusions It is important for trainers working in the sports field to understand the contents of postoperative management and rehabilitation training related to UCL injuries, and more importantly, to know the cause of the injury and prevent injuries.

Return-to-Sport Criteria After Upper Extremity Surgery in Athletes-A Scoping Review, Part 2: Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow Procedures.

Background:There is a lack of consensus to guide patient return to sport (RTS) after elbow ulnar collateral ligament surgery (eUCLS).Purpose:To describe the reported RTS criteria after eUCLS in the athletic population.Study Design:Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This scoping review was performed by adhering to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses–Scoping Review) guidelines. We searched 5 electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Embase, Google Scholar Advanced) and the gray literature for English-language studies that reported at least 1 RTS criterion in athletes after eUCLS. Data were extracted and summarized as frequencies or arithmetic mean and standard deviation.Results:Included were 14 studies and 1335 athletes with a mean age of 21.4 ± 1.1 years. Time from surgery (range, 6-16 months) was the most common RTS criterion used, and it was reported by all 14 of the included articles. RTS criteria reported less often were pain (3/14; 21%), successful completion of a throwing program (3/14; 21%), muscle strength of the forearm muscles (1/14; 7%), and “normal” range of motion and muscle strength of the elbow and shoulder joints on the operated upper extremity (1/14; 7%). All studies used 1 to 5 of the above RTS criteria.Conclusion:Only 14 studies reported 1 or more RTS criteria after eUCLS in athletes, and time was the most common RTS criterion used. Our results highlight the need for a coordinated effort among surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers in order to establish evidence-based RTS criteria after eUCLS in athletes so athletes can safely to sport and prolong their athletic careers.

Short-Term Trends in Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Collegiate Baseball Players: An Analysis of 25,587 Player-Years.

Background:Trends over time in the incidence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgeries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players are currently unknown.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trends in UCL surgeries over 3 years in Division I baseball programs. We hypothesized that surgical injuries would be consistently high over the course of the study.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Athletic trainers from Division I baseball programs were invited to participate in an electronic survey over 3 seasons. A total of 155 baseball programs agreed to participate in 2017, 294 programs participated in 2018, and 296 programs participated in 2019. After each of the 3 collegiate baseball seasons, the athletic trainer from each program entered anonymous, detailed descriptive data and surgical information on injured players into a secured database.Results:During the 3 years of this study, 100% of the enrolled programs successfully completed the survey (155/155 in year 1, 294/294 in year 2, and 296/296 in year 3). This registry of 745 completed surveys over 3 years represented 25,587 player-years from Division I collegiate baseball. The percentage of programs with at least 1 UCL surgery during this time was 57% in 2017, 51% in 2018, and 49% in 2019. The majority of these players were pitchers (84% overall from the 3 years). Seniors underwent a significantly lower percentage of the UCL surgeries (8% in 2017, 10% in 2018, and 13% in 2019) than did underclassmen. Surgeries were performed most often in-season and least often during the preseason. A slight majority of players undergoing surgery originated from warm-weather states, but the number of these players was never significantly higher than was the number of players from cold-weather states. Most surgeries performed each year were UCL reconstruction, but the percentage of UCL repair with ligament augmentation increased each year (10% UCL repairs in 2017, 20% in 2018, and 25% in 2019).Conclusion:UCL injuries requiring surgery were found to be a major source of morbidity in Division I collegiate baseball, supporting our hypothesis. This study can serve as a baseline for tracking long-term trends in UCL surgeries in collegiate baseball.