Ulnar Collateral Research Articles

Paper 20: Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes

Paper 20: Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes

National Football League Quarterbacks With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries Have High Return-to-Play Rates, but Older Players Have Inferior Postinjury Performance

To characterize the epidemiology, mechanism (contact vs noncontact), management, and return-to-play (RTP) times for quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL) who experienced ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries. Using the Pro Sports Transactions Archive, NFL quarterbacks who sustained UCL injuries between 1991 and 2023 were identified. Age at time of injury, mechanism of injury (contact vs noncontact), management strategy, and RTP time were recorded. In addition, player performance metrics including games played, quarterback rating, completion percentage, touchdowns, and interceptions were examined for the season before injury through the second season after injury. Player performance analysis was assessed using principal component analysis, which is a dimensionality reduction statistical method that compresses the several performance metrics into a single value, the first principal component. A total of 21 injuries in 20 players were identified. The mean age of quarterbacks at time of injury was 28.7 years (± 4.6 years standard deviation). Ten injuries occurred during contact with another player, and 11 injuries were noncontact. Most (n= 13) of UCL injuries were managed nonoperatively. Sixteen players achieved RTP, 4 of whom underwent repair or reconstruction (UCLR). Overall, the mean RTP time was 165.6 days (± 178.8 days standard deviation), but players who underwent UCLR had a longer average RTP time (359.0 days vs 98.25 days, P= .014). Injuries sustained after 2006 were associated with improved postinjury performance (P= .041), but older age at time of injury was associated with diminished postinjury performance (P= .048). NFL quarterbacks sustain more noncontact UCL injuries and are undergoing UCLR at greater rates than previously reported. Although RTP rates are high and players demonstrate improved postinjury performance for injuries sustained after 2006, older age at the time of injury is associated with worse postinjury performance. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Dynamic Stress Ultrasound Assessment of Professional Baseball Players’ Elbows After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction

Background: There is a paucity of data analyzing dynamic stress ultrasound (SUS) findings in elite pitchers who have undergone ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) and returned to sport. Purpose: To identify longitudinal, perioperative changes in the elbows of professional baseball pitchers who have undergone UCLR and to compare these findings with a matched cohort of healthy pitchers. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study used prospectively collected data from dynamic elbow SUS analyses of professional baseball pitchers within a single Major League Baseball organization. Pitchers were divided into 2 cohorts: a UCLR cohort and healthy cohort. The UCLR cohort eligibility included availability of (1) SUS from preseason of injury/UCLR and (2) SUS from ≥2 years after surgery. These players were 1:1 matched to players with no history of upper extremity injury to form the healthy cohort. Ligament thickness and ulnohumeral joint space at rest and under stress were directly measured. Joint laxity was calculated by subtracting joint space at rest from joint space under stress. The term “relative” was used to describe calculated differences where nondominant measurements were subtracted from dominant-side measurements. Results: Eight pitchers were included in the UCLR group and matched to 8 healthy pitchers (mean age at initial SUS examination, 19.6 years). At a minimum follow-up of 2 years, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of relative or dominant arm rest space, stress space, or laxity. Longitudinally (final measurements – baseline measurements), the mean relative ulnohumeral rest space decreased in the UCLR group and increased in the healthy group (–0.36 mm vs +0.50 mm; P = .032). The finding of increased UCL thickness in the UCLR group was expected, as UCL grafts are typically thicker than native ligaments. Conclusion: Ulnhohumeral joint stability was achieved after UCLR as indicated by similar rest space, stress space, and joint laxity in dominant arms compared with a matched healthy cohort. A significant decrease in relative rest space after UCLR may represent the achievement of stability in surgery patients. Alternatively, the increase in ulnohumeral rest space seen in the healthy cohort may represent adaptive changes from pitching at a professional level.

Tommy John Ligament Repair with Ulnar Collateral Ligament Internal Brace

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries commonly occur in overhead athletes as a result of excess valgus stress on the elbow and can be functionally debilitating, requiring surgical intervention. Since the advent of the first initial UCL reconstruction technique pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe performed on professional baseball player Tommy John, UCL, or Tommy John Ligament reconstruction has successfully returned athletes to sport following injury and shown enhanced clinical outcomes with minimal complication rates. Tommy John surgery continues to evolve with the development of various techniques over recent years. This technical note describes a UCL repair with an internal brace using knotless suture anchors and aims to contribute to the current literature a technique that is efficacious and reproducible and offers satisfactory stability, functionality, and return to play.

Poster 210: Stride Cross-over and Pelvic Rotation Contribute to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Risk and Pitching Performance in Collegiate Level Baseball Players

Poster 210: Stride Cross-over and Pelvic Rotation Contribute to Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury Risk and Pitching Performance in Collegiate Level Baseball Players

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?

Posteromedial Osteophyte Resection in Baseball Players Undergoing Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Has no Effect on Return to Play but Decreases Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Throwing Control

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and return to play (RTP) rates following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) in patients with and without posteromedial elbow impingement (PI) treated with concomitant arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection.MethodsBaseball players who underwent UCLR performed by the senior surgeon with minimum follow-up of 2 years were surveyed in this retrospective cohort study. Primary outcomes included Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow (KJOC) score, Andrews-Timmerman score, and RTP rate. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction scores.Results35 baseball players were included. Eighteen had no preoperative impingement (mean age: 19.06 ± 3.28 years), while 17 had PI treated with concomitant arthroscopic osteophyte resection (mean age: 20.06 ± 2.68 years). Following surgery, there was no difference in mean Andrews-Timmerman score (no impingement = 91.67 ± 8.04 vs PI = 92.06 ± 7.92, P = .89) nor KJOC score (no impingement = 83.36 ± 11.72 vs PI = 79.88 ± 12.35, P = .40), but there was a decreased mean KJOC throwing control sub-score in the PI group (7.65 ± 2.40 vs 9.11 ± 1.32, P = .04). There was no difference in RTP rate between the groups (no impingement = 72.22%, PI = 94.12%, χ2 = 1.28; P = .26). There was significantly higher mean satisfaction score in the no impingement group (96.67 ± 4.58 vs 90.12 ± 11.91; P = .04), and those patients were also more likely to pursue surgical treatment again (94.44% vs 52.94%, χ2 = 7.88; P = .005).ConclusionsThere was no difference in RTP rate following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in baseball players with and without posteromedial impingement treated with arthroscopic resection. Outcomes on the KJOC and Andrews-Timmerman scores were good to excellent in both groups. Players in the posteromedial impingement group were less satisfied with their outcome, however, and less likely to elect for surgery if they were to sustain the injury again. Additionally, players in the posteromedial impingement group were found to have decreased throwing control on the KJOC questionnaire, which may suggest that the presence of posteromedial osteophytes represent adaptive changes to stabilize the elbow while throwing.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcomes and return to play (RTP) rates following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) in patients with and without posteromedial elbow impingement (PI) treated with concomitant arthroscopic posteromedial osteophyte resection. Baseball players who underwent UCLR performed by the senior surgeon with minimum follow-up of 2 years were surveyed in this retrospective cohort study. Primary outcomes included Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow (KJOC) score, Andrews-Timmerman score, and RTP rate. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction scores. 35 baseball players were included. Eighteen had no preoperative impingement (mean age: 19.06 ± 3.28 years), while 17 had PI treated with concomitant arthroscopic osteophyte resection (mean age: 20.06 ± 2.68 years). Following surgery, there was no difference in mean Andrews-Timmerman score (no impingement = 91.67 ± 8.04 vs PI = 92.06 ± 7.92, P = .89) nor KJOC score (no impingement = 83.36 ± 11.72 vs PI = 79.88 ± 12.35, P = .40), but there was a decreased mean KJOC throwing control sub-score in the PI group (7.65 ± 2.40 vs 9.11 ± 1.32, P = .04). There was no difference in RTP rate between the groups (no impingement = 72.22%, PI = 94.12%, χ2 = 1.28; P = .26). There was significantly higher mean satisfaction score in the no impingement group (96.67 ± 4.58 vs 90.12 ± 11.91; P = .04), and those patients were also more likely to pursue surgical treatment again (94.44% vs 52.94%, χ2 = 7.88; P = .005). There was no difference in RTP rate following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in baseball players with and without posteromedial impingement treated with arthroscopic resection. Outcomes on the KJOC and Andrews-Timmerman scores were good to excellent in both groups. Players in the posteromedial impingement group were less satisfied with their outcome, however, and less likely to elect for surgery if they were to sustain the injury again. Additionally, players in the posteromedial impingement group were found to have decreased throwing control on the KJOC questionnaire, which may suggest that the presence of posteromedial osteophytes represent adaptive changes to stabilize the elbow while throwing.

Paper 22: Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear in Elite Baseball Pitchers: Do High School Showcase Exposures Predict Injury™

Paper 22: Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear in Elite Baseball Pitchers: Do High School Showcase Exposures Predict Injury™

Decreased Upward Vertical Movement for Fastballs After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers

PurposeTo analyze the velocity and movement of the 4-seam fastball, curve, and slider thrown before and after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) in Major League Baseball pitchers using PITCHf/x data.MethodsVelocity and movement data of the 4-seam fastball, curve, and slider were collected for 3 time frames (12-24 months before the date of UCLR as an uninjured baseline, 12-24 months after the date of UCLR, and 24-36 months after the date of UCLR). Pitchers were separated into 3 age groups (<26, 26 to 31, and >31 years). A paired t-test for means was used to assess mean differences between 2 time periods and a generalized linear model, with time-dependent covariance structure and age group as a covariate, was used to determine differences across time. All analyses were performed using SAS, version 9.4.ResultsVertical movement of the 4-seam fastball decreased in the 24 to 36 months’ postoperative time frame, compared with 12 to 24 months’ preoperatively (9.46 to 9.14 inches, P = .032). Movement decreases in the 4-seam fastball were not age-related. Velocity did not significantly change for any pitch and movement did not change for the slider or curve pitches.ConclusionsFollowing UCLR, Major League Baseball pitchers experienced no changes in horizontal or vertical movement or velocity of the curve or slider in either time frame. Decreased upward vertical movement of the fastball occurred after UCLR at final follow-up, but no change was observed in velocity. Similar trends in pitch movement and velocity effects were observed regardless of age.Level of EvidenceIV, case series.

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

Adolescent Baseball Pitchers With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears Exhibit a High Proportion of Partial Tears

Background: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in the throwing elbow are classified according to grade and location using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). However, the frequency of each tear type and the association to age, competition level, and radiographic findings in adolescent baseball pitchers are unknown. Purposes: The primary purpose of this study was to use MRA to characterize the severity, location, and UCL tear type in adolescent pitchers. The second aim was to describe the relationship between the UCL tear type and age, competition level, and plain radiographic findings. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Records of adolescent pitchers with a UCL tear treated by the senior author between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. MRA scans were reviewed and tears were classified according to the Joyner-Andrews classification. Low-grade partial tears are classified as type I, high-grade partial tears as type II, complete full-thickness tears as type III, and tear pathology in >1 region in the UCL as type IV. Each type of tear also has a location designated at the midsubstance, ulna (U), or humerus (H). Patient characteristics, competition level, and associated plain radiographic abnormalities were recorded. Univariate analyses were performed to examine the relationships between tear types and age, competition level, and plain radiographic findings. Results: A total of 200 adolescent pitchers (mean ± SD age, 17.2 ± 1.5 years) with MRA scans were reviewed. Type II-H (n = 62), type II-U (n = 51), and type III-U (n = 28) were the most common tear types observed. Type II tears comprised 64.5% of adolescent UCL tears, with type II-H being the most common. Plain radiographs were abnormal in 32% of patients, with calcifications (10.5%) and olecranon osteophytes (12.5%) being the most common findings. There were no significant relationships between tear type and age (P = .25), competition level (P = .23), or radiographic abnormalities (P = .75). Conclusion: Humeral-sided high-grade partial tears were the most common tear type in adolescent pitchers. There was no relationship between UCL tear type and age competition level, and plain radiographic abnormalities.

Correlation of Rehabilitation and Throwing Program Milestones With Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 717 Professional Baseball Pitchers

Background: There remains room for improvement in surgical outcomes after medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (MUCLR) in professional pitchers. The role and influence of postoperative rehabilitation on the outcomes of MUCLR are unknown. There is a paucity of clinical data in the current literature comparing the success of various postsurgical rehabilitation protocols after MUCLR. Purpose: To summarize the current rehabilitation process for professional pitchers recovering from MUCLR, evaluates what player and surgical factors correlate with outcomes, and determines whether rehabilitation timing and milestones correlate with successful outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: 717 professional baseball pitchers who underwent MUCLR between 2010 and 2016 were identified and included in the analysis. Player characteristics evaluated included age at the time of surgery, throwing side dominance, primary pitching role (starter vs reliever), and level of play (MLB, AAA, AA, A). Surgical factors studied included date of surgery, graft type (palmaris longus autograft vs gracilis autograft), and surgical technique (figure of 8 vs docking vs other). The rehabilitation and throwing progression details were as follows: initiation date; first throw date; dates to start throwing from various distances; longest distance thrown; first flat ground throw date; first mound throw date; and first live batting practice (BP) date. The primary outcomes of interest were the ability to return to play at any level (RTP), the ability to return to the same level (RSL), and the time to RTP/RSL. Results: On average, pitchers threw a baseball for the first time 4.9 months after surgery, with a broad range (2.8-14.9 months). For the 675 (94%) pitchers who were able to progress to mound throwing, the first throws off a mound occurred at a mean of 9.4 months after surgery. Before progressing to the mound, the mean longest long-toss distance reached was 137.5 feet, with a broad range (105-300 feet). A high variation in the time to RTP (7.6-53.9 months) and RSL (8.6-60.7 months) was noted. A total of 599 (84%) pitchers were able to RTP at a mean time of 14.9 ± 4.9 months after surgery (range, 7.6-53.9 months). Also, 528 (74%) pitchers were able to RSL after MUCLR at a mean of 17.4 ± 7 months (range, 8.6-60.7 months) postoperatively. Age was the most significant predictor of RTP (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01-1.05]; P = .01) and RSL (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.99]; P < .01). For every 1-year increase in age, there was a 3% increase in the chance of RTP. Conversely, for every 1-year decrease in age, there was a 4% increase in the chance of RSL. MLB players were more likely to RTP (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.18-1.63]; P < .01) but not necessarily to RSL (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.75-1.08]; P = .24). The time from surgery to any of the rehabilitation milestones of interest (first throw, first flat ground pitching, first mound throwing, and first live BP) did not correlate with RTP or RSL (all, P >.05). The same was true for the greatest long-toss distance thrown before transitioning to the mound. Conclusion: Significant variability in the postoperative rehabilitation protocols after MUCLR was observed in 717 professional baseball pitchers. The timing of achievement of throwing progression and rehabilitation milestones postoperatively varied widely but did not correlate with outcomes. Player characteristics—except for player age and professional pitching level—did not correlate with RTP and RSL outcomes. Older pitchers and MLB pitchers were more likely to RTP, but younger players were more likely to RSL. Surgical factors did not correlate with rehabilitation outcomes.

Return to Sports after Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow―Limitations and Practice of Conservative Treatment―

Return to Sports after Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury of the Elbow―Limitations and Practice of Conservative Treatment―

Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Ulnar Collateral Ligament: Early Outcomes of Suture Anchor Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early outcomes of thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair using suture anchors with suture tape augmentation.Materials and Methods Six patients underwent thumb UCL repair or reconstruction with suture tape augmentation and six patients underwent thumb UCL repair with intraosseous suture anchors between January 2013 and January 2018. The main outcome measures were range of motion, strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and complications.Results At final follow-up for patients who had suture tape augmentation, the average thumb MCP joint and interphalangeal (IP) joint flexion were 65 and 73 degrees, respectively. The average DASH score was 4.3. At final follow-up for patients who had intraosseous suture anchor repair, the average thumb MCP joint and IP joint flexion were 50 and 60 degrees, respectively. The average DASH score was 38. There were no complications or secondary procedures in either group.Conclusion The use of suture anchor repair with suture tape augmentation for thumb UCL injuries is a treatment option that allows for early range of motion with satisfactory early outcomes that are comparable to intraosseous suture anchor repair.Level of Evidence This is a level IV, case series article.

Differences in Shoulder Internal Rotation Strength Between Baseball Players With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Healthy Controls.

Background:Studies have indicated decreased shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength in the throwing limb of baseball players after ulnar collateral ligament injury. There is limited evidence on the recovery of shoulder rotation strength after primary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR).Hypothesis:At the time of return to throwing, baseball players who underwent UCLR would demonstrate decreased IR and ER shoulder strength in the throwing arm as compared with healthy baseball players.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Male competitive high school and collegiate baseball athletes participated in this study. Athletes who underwent UCLR were compared with healthy controls who were matched by age, height, weight, and position. Bilateral isometric shoulder ER and IR strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer for all participants at the time of initial evaluation (UCLR group) and throughout the course of a season (healthy group). Independent t tests were run to calculate mean differences in ER and IR shoulder strength between the groups, with significance set at P < .05.Results:A total of 86 baseball athletes participated in this study (43 UCLR group, 43 healthy group). At the time of return to throwing (mean ± SD, 194 ± 30 days postoperatively), the 2 groups demonstrated no significant differences in nonthrowing arm ER or IR strength (P = .143 and .994, respectively). No significant difference was found between groups for throwing arm ER strength (P = .921); however, the UCLR group demonstrated significantly less throwing arm IR strength than the healthy group (144.2 ± 27.8 vs 157.6 ± 27.1 N; P = .023).Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate that throwing arm rotator cuff strength may not fully recover before the initiation of a return-to-throwing program after UCLR. These data provide a potential framework for clinicians to assist in the management and exercise prescription of the baseball athlete after UCLR and before medical release and the initiation of a return-to-throwing program.

Acute Ligament Injuries of the Elbow.

Ulnar collateral, radial collateral, lateral ulnar collateral, and annular ligaments can be injured in an acute trauma, such as valgus stress in athletes and elbow dislocation. Recognizing normal anatomy in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography studies is important to identify ligamentous abnormalities in these imaging modalities.

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.

Return-to-Competition Criteria After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow is common among overhead throwing athletes and can result in significant functional limitations. While surgical reconstruction offers high rates of return to competition, there are no validated or universally accepted guidelines for determining when an athlete can safely resume play. Purpose: To assess the existing scientific literature for return-to-competition criteria utilized after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for clinical investigations of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead throwing athletes published between January 2000 and June 2020. Only studies that had a minimum follow-up of 1 year and included at least 1 specific return-to-competition criterion were considered. Results: A total of 15 studies were included in the final analysis, encompassing 1156 patients with an average age of 20.7 years (SD, 2.0 years). Baseball players composed 96.3% of patients for whom sport was specified, and 92.4% of baseball players were pitchers. The most common return-to-competition criterion, identified in 87% of studies, was completion of a return-to-throwing program, which started on average 16.7 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks) after surgery. A return-to-mound program was utilized in 53% of studies, starting on average 7.4 months (range, 6-9 months) postoperatively. Minimum time from surgery was used in 73% studies, with players waiting 7 to 12 months (mean, 9.7; SD, 1.4 months) after surgery before return-to-competition consideration. The overall rate of return to competition at the preinjury level or higher was 85.7% (SD, 8.5%) at an average of 12.2 months (SD, 0.6 months). Conclusion: In general, we observed a paucity of literature describing the return-to-competition process after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction in overhead throwing athletes. Only 3 explicit return-to-competition criteria were identified across all studies: completion of a return-to-throwing program, completion of a return-to-mound program for pitchers, and minimum time from surgery. Increased transparency regarding postoperative rehabilitation protocols and further research are necessary to identify and validate sport-specific return-to-competition criteria, which will ultimately help athletes return to play in a safe and timely fashion after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.

Trends in Patient, Physician, and Public Perception of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Social Media Analytics.

Background:Social media posts regarding ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries and reconstruction surgeries have increased in recent years.Purpose:To analyze posts shared on Instagram and Twitter referencing UCL injuries and reconstruction surgeries to evaluate public perception and any trends in perception over the past 3 years.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:A search of a 3-year period (August 2016 and August 2019) of public Instagram and Twitter posts was performed. We searched for >22 hashtags and search terms, including #TommyJohn, #TommyJohnSurgery, and #tornUCL. A categorical classification system was used to assess the sentiment, media format, perspective, timing, accuracy, and general content of each post. Post popularity was measured by number of likes and comments.Results:A total of 3119 Instagram posts and 267 Twitter posts were included in the analysis. Of the 3119 Instagram posts analyzed, 34% were from patients, and 28% were from providers. Of the 267 Twitter posts analyzed, 42% were from patients, and 16% were from providers. Although the majority of social media posts were of a positive sentiment, over the past 3 years, there was a major surge in negative sentiment posts (97% increase) versus positive sentiment posts (9% increase). Patients were more likely to focus their posts on rehabilitation, return to play, and activities of daily living. Providers tended to focus their posts on education, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Patient posts declined over the past 3 years (–28%), whereas provider posts increased substantially (110%). Of posts shared by health care providers, 4% of posts contained inaccurate or misleading information.Conclusion:The majority of patients who post about their UCL injury and reconstruction on social media have a positive sentiment when discussing their procedure. However, negative sentiment posts have increased significantly over the past 3 years. Patient content revolves around rehabilitation and return to play. Although patient posts have declined over the past 3 years, provider posts have increased substantially with an emphasis on education.

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.